Gratitude for 30 Special Places

A budget is a statement of what you value, and we appreciate that the 117th Congress is ending its session with a budget that is poised to increase the NERRS Operation by 9% and PAC funds by 31%.  Pursuant to the Continuing Resolution to allow for extra time—until midnight on December 23, 2022—to pass legislation to fund the federal government, the negotiated details* were released on Tuesday, December 20th: NERRS Operations for FY23 $32.5 million and NERRS PAC $8.5 million.

The funding is not final until it is passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and then signed into law by President Biden.  However, the budget increases are a testament to every Reserve employee and the hard work of the NERRA Board, the Reserve Friends Groups and Foundations, and all the Reserve volunteers. Your work and commitment are what make these places special, and why they are valued nationally by decision makers. We are grateful.

Also hot off the press: By unanimous consent, the Senate passed a resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972! Big thank you to Senators Markey (MA) and Cantwell (WA) for their leadership. Such a nice way to end the year and close out the 117th Congress!

*budget details chart prepared by the Ocean Conservancy.