Biden-Harris Administration recommends funding of $17.3 million for projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia to strengthen Climate-Ready Coasts as part of Investing in America agenda

Today, Vice President Harris announced that the Department of Commerce has recommended $17.3 million for projects across Virginia to make communities and the economy more resilient to climate change, as part of the Investing in America agenda. Across Virginia, six projects will create jobs and boost economic and environmental outcomes for coastal communities. The awards are made under the Biden Administration’s Climate-Ready Coasts initiative funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) with additional funds leveraged from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). 

“I am proud to recommend funding for six important projects that will help make Virginia’s coastal communities’ climate-ready for the future while also creating jobs and supporting Virginia’s economic growth,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Nearly 60% of Virginians live in a coastal area, and ensuring they have the resources to protect against natural disaster and climate change is a top priority.”

Administered by the Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Climate-Ready Coasts initiative is focused on investing in high-impact projects that create climate solutions by storing carbon; build resilience to coastal hazards such as extreme weather events, pollution and marine debris; restore coastal habitats that help wildlife and humans thrive; build the capacity of underserved communities and support community-driven restoration; and provide employment opportunities.

“NOAA is excited to work with tribal partners, community groups, and state agencies in Virginia on transformational efforts to enhance coastal resilience and keep Virginia’s coasts debris-free,” said Rick Spinrad, Ph.D., NOAA administrator. “This recommended funding will help Virginia’s coastal communities prepare for the impacts of climate change, and support a vibrant economy based on thriving natural resources and access to the outdoors.”

“I am glad to see Virginia continue to reap the benefits of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Senator Mark Warner. “With the help of this record funding, our coastal communities will continue the important work of combating the effects of climate change, restoring our coastlines, and cleaning up our shores.” 

“One of the many reasons I was proud to help pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act is that both include funding that will help us promote a cleaner environment while making shoreline communities more resilient,” said Senator Tim Kaine. “I’m glad Virginia is receiving federal dollars from those laws to help make our communities safer, protect natural ecosystems, and create jobs.”

“As a co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Taskforce, I am pleased that today's recommendations include proven solutions to the growing threats of climate change, abandoned boats, and ghost traps in the Bay and its tributaries,” said Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03). “These projects demonstrate how the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law advance the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay while enhancing the resilience of coastal ecosystems, fisheries, and communities such as Hampton Roads.” 

These projects are part of NOAA’s nearly $6 billion total investment under BIL and IRA. Recommended projects and funding amounts in Virginia include:

• Nationwide Lost or Abandoned Fishing TRAP (Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention) Program
  Virginia Institute of Marine Science: $8 million
  Funding Source: Marine Debris Removal Competition
  The Virginia Institute of Marine Science will administer a national competitive grant program for the removal of derelict fishing traps. The project will also remove and recycle abandoned traps from Chesapeake Bay, create a national dashboard to standardize data collection, and use the data to assess potential solutions to the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of lost gear. Projects in all coastal states and territories are potentially eligible for future funding under this program. 
• Conservation of Ancestral Lands – Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe's Return to the River
  Virginia Department of Environmental Quality: $3 million
  Funding Source: Coastal Zone Management Habitat Protection and Restoration Grants
  The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe, through the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program, will acquire and conserve 866 acres of historic tribal lands along the tribe’s namesake river, the Mattaponi, within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This is the tribe’s first opportunity to acquire ancestral lands for conservation, which will allow them to pursue future activities to enhance culturally significant fish, wildlife, and plants through habitat restoration. The conservation benefits will extend to tribal citizens and others who enjoy the region’s coast.
• Removing Abandoned and Derelict Vessels in Virginia and Building Capacity for a Statewide Removal and Disposal Program
  Lynnhaven River NOW: $2.9 million
  Funding Source: Marine Debris Removal Competition
  This investment will support the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels from across the coastal zone of Virginia. The project will also use surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather information to assist in the development of an abandoned and derelict vessel removal and prevention program for the state.
• Virginia Eelgrass and Bay Scallop Restoration in Burtons Bay
  Virginia Department of Environmental Quality: $2.2 million
  Funding Source: Coastal Zone Management Habitat Protection and Restoration Grants
  Building on the knowledge gained from a successful eelgrass and bay scallop restoration in southern Virginia’s coastal bays, this project will focus on Burtons Bay. Over a four-year period, at least 60 acres of eelgrass will be planted and over six million bay scallops released. The project will include long-term monitoring, as well as an educational component, with the end goal of a healthy and expanding eelgrass meadow and a resident scallop population in Burtons Bay that will enhance water quality, create carbon stocks, and increase productivity of a commercially harvested species.
• Environmental Resilience: The Mattaponi Indian Tribe and Reservation Coastal Habitat Restoration Project  
  Mattaponi Indian Tribe and Reservation: $999,000 ($235,000 year 1, up to a total of $999,000 over three years)
  Funding Source: Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants for Underserved Communities
  The Mattaponi Indian Tribe and Reservation will work to restore shorelines on tribal reservation lands along the Mattaponi River. They will also increase their capacity to lead and participate in habitat restoration activities by hiring additional staff and providing training and opportunities for tribal members. This project is located within the area of Virginia known as the Middle Peninsula, which has been recognized as a NOAA Habitat Focus Area.  
• From Learning to Willing to Doing: A Collaborative Approach to Implementing the Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan
  Virginia Sea Grant: $299,000
  Funding Source: Marine Debris Community Action Coalitions
  This project supports implementation of the 2021-2025 Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan through establishment of a coalition that brings together the concerns of multiple sectors to achieve goals related to derelict fishing gear and abandoned and derelict vessels in Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia. The project will result in a robust and diverse network of interested parties and increased marine debris literacy through creation of an online hub and outreach resources. K-12 youth outreach activities will focus on engaging students living in underserved communities.