Appropriations

The reserve system is funded through an annual federal appropriations process that provides support to meet the basic requirements for operating reserve sites, including the three core programs—the System-Wide Monitoring Program, the Coastal Training Program, and the Graduate Research Fellowship program.
Funding also provides support for activities such as site profiles, site management plans, GIS support, K-12 and public education programs, and restoration efforts.

Support is also provided for construction and acquisition to maintain, upgrade, and construct reserve facilities and acquire priority coastal and estuarine lands. NERRA works to ensure that each reserve receives adequate federal funds, which in turn are matched by individual states. NERRA is the lead organization in efforts to communicate the funding needs and priorities of the reserve system to Congress and the Administration. NERRA also works with the Coastal States Organization to ensure that states receive the support needed for effective coastal zone management. NERRA has also joined with several other organizations to create a Friends of NOAA Coalition to support funding for NOAA.

NERRA's FY11 appropriations request can be found here.

NERRA's FY11 testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

Also, see the "Dear Colleague" letter sent by more than 20 Senators the chair and ranking members of the Senate appropriations subcommittee seeking funds for NOAA programs including the reserve system.