May 25, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, NOAA funded 125 habitat restoration projects in coastal areas throughout the country. Now, more than a decade later, we’re taking a look back at some of the projects we funded. We’ll explore the benefits this restoration work continues to bring to communities and ecosystems across the country.
In Part 1 of this 3-part series, we’re highlighting examples of the jobs, recreation, and other community benefits that Recovery Act projects have supported. Part 2 will focus on benefits to coastal and marine species. Part 3 will explore how Recovery Act-funded projects laid the groundwork for continuing habitat restoration efforts.
NOAA received $167 million from the Recovery Act to restore coastal habitat and help jumpstart the nation’s economy. We established 50 cooperative agreements that funded 125 high quality habitat restoration projects in 24 states and territories. The projects spanned from New England’s salt marshes to the coral reefs of the Pacific Islands.
Coastal restoration projects can bring many benefits to local communities, including jobs, recreation, flood protection, and higher property values. For example, an analysis of Recovery Act restoration projects found that restoration projects create an average of 15 jobs for every million dollars invested. That’s a higher rate than those of other infrastructure projects like road construction.
Below, learn about three Recovery Act projects and the benefits they have brought to coastal communities across the country.