The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will receive $830 million in funds as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed into law by President Obama on February 17.  According to NOAA, this is about 20% of the 2008 budget.  The money will be used for a variety of projects that will protect life and property.  It will also be used to conserve and protect natural resources.  Specifically, $430 million will be used for construction and repair of facilities, ships, equipment, and for improvements for weather forecasting and satellite development.  Another $230 million will be allocated for habitat restoration, navigation projects, vessel maintenance, and other activities.  The remaining $170 million will be dedicated to climate modeling activities, including supercomputers and research into climate change.   According to deputy undersecretary Mary Glackin, “These funds will create jobs while advancing (NOAA’s) vital mission to the American people.  (The NOAA) will ensure that the Recovery Act funding is used as effectively as possible and in manner that will allow for maximum transparency and accountability.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will be required to submit a plan to Congress with specifics on how allocations will be spent within 60 days of the legislation being enacted. Once completed, NOAA’s plan will be available to the public at the Department of Commerce and NOAA web sites

On the Web:

Recovery Act: http://www.recovery.gov 

Department of Commerce: http://www.commerce.gov 

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov