MMS Approves $61.8 Million Plan for Mississippi Coastal Restoration

The Interior Department’s Minerals Management Service announced today the approval of Mississippi’s Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) Plan, calling it a major step forward in providing $61.8 million to the state of Mississippi in the coming year, representing the first two years of funding under CIAP. Additional funding for grants will also be available for the following two years. The money will help fund 129 projects over a four year period in the state of Mississippi.

'The Interior Department is committed to protecting our nation’s natural environments,' Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said. 'I applaud the state of Mississippi for submitting such a strong and balanced plan for the Coastal Impact Assistance Program so we can put these funds to work.'

Mississippi became the fourth state to receive approval from Interior’s Minerals Management Service for its Coastal Impact Assistance Program plan when MMS Acting Director Walter Cruickshank joined Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Executive Director Dr. William Walker today in a signing ceremony at Davis Bayou – Gulf Islands National Seashore in Ocean Springs, MS. The approval of Mississippi’s plan allows the state to submit grant proposals for Coastal Impact Assistance Program projects involving conservation, restoration, enhancement and protection of natural coastal resources.

Mississippi’s Grant Program Announcement will be posted at www.grants.gov today. The announcement provides instructions and guidance on the submittal process for CIAP grant applications. Funding is made available to the State and counties when the grants are awarded.

The allocation of each year’s $30.9 million will be divided with $20.1 million going to the State of Mississippi and $10.8 million being split among the three coastal counties. See the table below for county distribution.