Biden-Harris Administration recommends funding of $11.8 million for projects in Alaska to strengthen Climate-Ready Coasts as part of Investing in America agenda

Today, Vice President Harris announced that the Department of Commerce has recommended $11.8 million for projects across Alaska to make communities and the economy more resilient to climate change, as part of the Investing in America agenda. Across Alaska, five 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). 

“Home to more than half the fish caught in waters off the coast of the United States, Alaska’s seas and coastal habitats are among the most critical environmental and economic hubs in the United States,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden-Harris Administration will make generational investments to sustain the marine resources that are critical to Alaskans’ culture, livelihoods, and economic growth.”

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.

“Alaska’s unique coastline and waterways are highly valued by people from around the state, the nation, and the world,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “These investments will help restore critical salmon habitat, important peatlands, and help remove debris to keep Alaska’s waters pristine.”

“The ocean is fundamental to Alaska’s economy, culture, and the livelihoods of coastal residents. I’m pleased that NOAA has recommended more than $11 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for coastal projects around our state. From addressing coastal erosion and enhancing community resilience, to restoring habitats and removing marine debris—this funding is key for a stronger marine economy and a clean, thriving coastline,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski.

“I am glad to see that the bipartisan programs of the BIL and IRA are already spurring innovative ideas in Alaska to protect our oceans and coastlines,” said Congresswoman Mary Peltola (AK-01). “These projects, including salmon habitat restoration, marine debris cleanup, and ocean plastic recycling initiatives, would benefit a broad range of Alaskan communities and provide important data for the future. This is a prime example of what can happen when Congress works together to support innovative, community-centered programs, and I will continue to support the deployment of these funds to preserve Alaska’s unique ocean and shoreline environments.” 

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

• Large Debris Removal and the Establishment of a Regional Center for Marine Debris in Alaska
  University of Alaska Fairbanks: $5.8 million 
  Funding Source: Marine Debris Removal Competition
  In partnership with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska Sea Grant will administer awards for projects that remove large marine debris, such as derelict nets, lines, rope, floats, and crab pots, shipping debris, and abandoned and derelict vessels. The projects will consist of seasonal cleanups using vessels to reach debris in remote and high debris accumulation areas, as well as evaluate recycling techniques for marine debris.
• The Resurrection: Restoration of a Watershed and Salmon in Alaska
  National Forest Foundation: $3.8 million 
  Funding Source: Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants  
  Resurrection Creek, located on the Kenai Peninsula, supports one of the largest sport fisheries in North America. The project will restore salmon habitat by improving natural stream processes, reconnecting over 50 acres of historic floodplains and off-channel habitat, and restoring over 70 acres of vegetation in an area historically altered by gold mining. 
• Conservation of Peatlands near Kachemak Bay
  University of Alaska Anchorage: $1.2 million
  Funding Source: National Estuarine Research Reserve System Habitat Protection and Restoration Grants
  Through a partnership with the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, the City of Homer will acquire 55 acres of critical peatland habitat, an area that provides habitat for fish and coastal wildlife, passive public access, and improves water quality for salmon and other fish. Peatlands also serve as a nature-based solution for stormwater collection. This project will simultaneously recharge water levels in the peat, protect the water quality of Kachemak Bay, and mitigate coastal erosion in the City of Homer’s working waterfront area.
• Distributed Mobile Upcycling
  Alaska Sea Grant: $639,000
  Funding Source: Marine Debris Challenge Competition
  Investments in a distributed mobile plastic recycling system will demonstrate how plastic waste found in the ocean and Ocean Bound Plastic can be recycled into plastic ‘lumber.’ This project, which will take place in multiple communities throughout Alaska, will build greater community engagement, reduce landfill usage, increase local jobs in Alaska, and decrease environmental impact from plastics.
• Developing a Climate Impact Statement for Coastal Erosion and Shoreline Stability in Levelock, Alaska
  Levelock Village Council: $380,000
  Funding Source: Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants for Underserved Communities
  The Levelock Village Council will conduct a Climate Impact Statement for the Native Village of Levelock, Alaska. The Climate Impact Statement will assess how future climate scenarios could affect Levelock and provide strategies to improve their resilience to hazards like sea level rise and flooding. In particular, it will focus on how climate change could impact erosion of the Kvichak River, which the community relies on for supply services and sockeye salmon fishing.