DC Download: May 2026

Last week, the House Appropriations Committee acted on the FY 2027 Appropriations Bill. They rejected the President’s proposal to eliminate NERRS funding. Instead, they included funding at FY 2026 levels: NERRS Operations, Research, and Facilities (ORF) $34M; NERRS Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction (PAC) $8.5M; and NOAA Coastal Zone Management Services (Office for Coastal Management) $51M. The bill also includes report language that cites the importance of the Rookery Bay Reserve (see pg 24) and funding for sister programs, such as the Coastal Zone Management Grants, Integrated Ocean Observing System, and Sea Grant (even though the Administration had proposed Congress also eliminate this funding). The next step is approval by the full House. 

The Senate Commerce, Justice, Senate, and Related Agencies Appropriation Subcommittee has tentatively set its hearing on FY 2027 appropriations for June 4th. Earlier this month, NERRA President, Kristen Goodrich, submitted identical written testimony advocating for NERRS funding to the Senate and House subcommittees. Additionally, NERRA joined with the Coastal States Organization, the Integrated Ocean Observing System Association, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and the Sea Grant Association in submitting identical joint testimony to the House and Senate, advocating for funding across all programs.

In a call for action, NERRA is encouraging everyone who supports Reserves to reaffirm their support for full NERRS funding by signing a letter of support. Representatives of Reserve friends groups and foundations, businesses, and other partners can sign on behalf of your organizations here if you signed a similar letter last year or here if you are signing for the first time. If you want to make a personal statement of support, please sign here.

NERRA will share these letters with Senate Appropriators in June. As residents and visitors alike enjoy the many benefits of our Reserves around the country, thank you for your support of these beautiful and important places.