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JULY 26, 2024–SANTA CRUZ, CALIF - The California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (CMSF), dedicated to protecting and enhancing coastal and marine environments through marine conservation, water quality, climate change adaptation and coastal restoration, today announced it has been awarded more than $71 million through a nationwide grant competition managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to lead a coalition of 21 partners to implement an extensive program to combat climate change in the Monterey Bay area.
The grant from NOAA’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge is one of the largest in the history of California. This transformational award is funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law by President Biden on August 16, 2022. It will deliver vital investments in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties through dozens of projects to be implemented by a diverse coalition that includes local governments, academic institutions and nonprofit organizations.
The grant brings focus to the needs of coastal communities impacted by storm surge, sea level rise, and flooding from the San Lorenzo, Pajaro, Salinas and Carmel rivers, as well as areas prone to wildfire in coastal watersheds.
“Monterey Bay communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis have faced disastrous consequences from flooding and fires these past several years,” said Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA). “Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, this transformational investment will bolster climate-resilient infrastructure, protect fragile coastal ecosystems, and empower disadvantaged working families as Monterey Bay adapts and prepares for future disasters.”
“Last Congress, we worked hard to do our job and pass historic legislation to confront climate change,” said Rep. Panetta (D-CA). “Today we are hearing about the effects of our work with the announcement of this major federal investment in local conservation programs, workforce development and our infrastructure to reduce the risks of damage from wildfires, flooding, storm surges and sea level rise. California's 19th Congressional District will soon be feeling the impact of this federal investment as we strengthen and bolster the resiliency and security of our community and, ultimately, the future of our country.”
“California is no stranger to the destructive consequences of the climate crisis,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. “From wildfire to catastrophic flooding, we must ensure our community is equipped with the resources to tackle these climate risks. The Biden-Harris Administration has committed to doing exactly that since day one, and this investment—made possible by the Democratic-led Inflation Reduction Act—is no exception. I am pleased to see NOAA support the Monterey Bay area in creating equitable climate adaptation and mitigation strategies while emphasizing collecting local input and building up a workforce necessary to take on this effort. I look forward to working with NOAA as this investment makes an impact.”
“This new funding represents a major investment in tangible, positive change for our local communities and environments that are experiencing worsening impacts from climate change,” said Robert Mazurek, California Marine Sanctuary Foundation Executive Director. “We’re truly thankful that NOAA has focused these federal funds on the Central Coast. The coalition of 21 partner organizations that has come together for this effort is historic and represents the skill and dedication needed in the urgent effort to combat climate change.”
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