Appropriations

The NERRS 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 NERRS 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.