Obama Administration Commits $154 Million To Restoring U.S. Coast Line

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced Tuesday that the Obama administration will be allocating $154 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the $787 billion dollar piece of legislation aimed at stimulating the U.S. economy over the next two years, towards coastal restoration.

“These projects are an investment in American workers and in stronger and healthier coastal environments and economies,” said Locke during a conference call with reporters.

Locke explained that the projects will have a vital impact on the U.S. economy, stressing that this is an opportunity for job creation and preservation.

“Our coasts are tremendous economic resources. They support millions of jobs…Commercial and recreational fishing alone employs 1 million people either directly or indirectly and they contribute more than $100 billion to our economy each year.”

The funding will go towards 50 restoration projects across 22 states and 2 American territories. According to Locke, these 50 were chosen from over 800 requests with the help of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.