Bill > S513

This bill establishes a grant program administered by the Secretary of Commerce through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to support the conservation, restoration, and management of kelp forest ecosystems. The program will award grants to a diverse range of eligible entities including fishing industry members, universities, nonprofit organizations, Native American Tribes, state agencies, and local governments. To qualify, applicants must collaborate with other entities and submit detailed project proposals that address significant regional kelp forest declines. Eligible projects can focus on long-term ecosystem resilience, seeding and connectivity, restoring natural ecological relationships, monitoring, integrating Indigenous knowledge, and preventing large-scale kelp forest losses. Grants will cover up to 85% of project costs, with potential waivers for entities unable to meet the matching requirement. The bill authorizes $5 million annually from 2026 to 2030, with at least $750,000 reserved for Native American Tribes. The legislation aims to support the preservation of these critical marine ecosystems, which are important for biodiversity, ocean health, and local communities that depend on them. By providing targeted funding and encouraging collaborative, science-based approaches, the bill seeks to address the significant challenges facing kelp forest ecosystems.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/513/all-info