CSO Comments on S.3038, Coastal Coordination Act of 2016

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coastal States Organization (CSO), a bi-partisan, non-profit organization representing the 35 coastal states and territories, applauds the Senate Commerce Committee for approving today S. 3038, the Coastal Coordination Act of 2016 introduced by Senator Nelson (D-FL) and Senator Wicker (R-MS). The re-authorization of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) and continued vitality of State Coastal Management Programs is critical in protecting the 39% of the total U.S. population and $7.4 trillion of the U.S. GDP¹ for which coastal areas account. State Coastal Management Programs support coastal communities at a time of increased threats from changing sea levels, coastal flooding and erosion, habitat loss, and extreme weather events. CSO looks forward to working with Congress on a CZMA reauthorization that strengthens the role of states and the Coastal Programs to proactively confront these issues.

"The CZMA provides technical, financial, and planning assistance to states and communities that enhance the implementation of state coastal management plans to address disaster preparedness and hazard mitigation," said Mike Friis, Wisconsin Resource Policy Director and Chair of CSO. "Through the CZMA, each state is free to innovate, taking advantage of its unique economy, geography, and culture."

Some of the success stories include:

CSO recently released a report that documents the value of the state Coastal Management Programs as essential and cost-effective vehicles to strengthen America's coastal resilience to extreme weather events and protect coastal communities. The 14 success stories that span from Hawaii to Maine illustrate how, for more than 40 years, state Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves have addressed resiliency through their participation in a state-federal partnership under CZMA.

"The Coastal Zone Management Act is one of America's proven and effective tools to protect and enhance America's coasts and puts states in the driver's seat to decide how best to manage their own coastal challenges," said Mary Munson, Executive Director of the Coastal States Organization. "Reauthorization before the next Superstorm Sandy arrives is critical to states and local governments."

To view CSO's report "Coastal Zone Management – Advancing Critical Solution to Protect Coastal Communities" and learn more about the Coastal States Organization, visit www.coastalstates.org.

¹ NOAA Coastal Economic Pocket Guide, http://www.ppi.noaa.gov/wp-content/uploads/Coastal_Economic_Pocket_Guide_2015_Updated_081915.pdf

Contact: Mary Munson (202) 508-3861                     

SOURCE Coastal States Organization (CSO)

Related Links

http://www.coastalstates.org