State of Alabama FINAL Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP ...

Alabama will partner with capital improvement funds from NOAA to complete this project. Appendix
G-5 contains a map of the building location.
AUTHORIZED USES
o This project meets the criteria set forth in Authorized Use #4: implementation of a federally
approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan.
o Justification: This project meets Authorized Use #4 because it meets the objective set forth in the
Weeks Bay Management Plan. In May of 2007 the National Atmospheric and Oceanic
Administration (NOAA) approved the Weeks Bay Management Plan, a marine, coastal,
comprehensive management plan. This plan outlines several action items for capital
improvements at the Reserve. Specifically, the Weeks Bay Management Plan includes a strategic
plan which recommended goals and strategies for the future of Weeks Bay and the Weeks Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve. Strategy 2 states the Reserve will “Establish a specially
equipped, multipurpose building for environmental education”.
o Cost Sharing: Cost sharing is not applicable to this project.
o Partnering: A National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) capital improvement grant from
NOAA (approximately $300,000.00) will be used in conjunction with CIAP funds to construct
the Education and Multipurpose Building.
o Benefit to Natural Coastal Environment: The mission of the Weeks Bay NERR is to provide
leadership to promote informed management of estuarine and coastal habitats through scientific
understanding and encourage good stewardship practices through partnerships, public education,
and outreach programs. The new building will host many natural resource-based educational
activities. These activities will provide the visitor’s of Weeks Bay appreciation of the Alabama’s
coastal natural resources which will foster a long-term sense of stewardship, and in turn will
benefit the natural coastal environment.
State of Alabama Final Coastal Impact Assistance Program Plan
State of Alabama Tier One Project Descriptions
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