USA: BOEM Supports Beach and Ecosystem Restoration

As part of the Department of the Interior’s plans to assist coastal communities recover from the impact of Hurricane Sandy, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced the availability of $11.7 million in funds from the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013.

The funding is part of the $475.25 million announced today by Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell for Hurricane Sandy disaster relief projects.

“BOEM is proud to contribute to the Hurricane Sandy recovery effort,” said BOEM Director Tommy P. Beaudreau. “Through our Marine Minerals Program, BOEM will use these resources to support affected states and communities in protecting shorelines, property and infrastructure, as well as in preserving and strengthening coastal areas against future storms.”

BOEM funding will be used to identify sand and gravel resources from the Outer Continental Shelf and to conduct the necessary environmental assessments before, during and after coastal restoration projects are complete.

BOEM officials, participating in federal and Department of the Interior task forces established in Sandy’s aftermath, have met frequently with coastal communities, federal and state partners in New Jersey, New York, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware to help them determine whether OCS sand is needed, and develop project plans. BOEM is the only agency responsible for managing development of OCS marine mineral resources, and does so as part of its broader OCS stewardship mission.

Details for projects related to Sandy will be announced in coming months as plans are finalized.

[mappress]

Press Release, May 8, 2013