Sandy Hook Research Facility Secures $471,500 in Federal Funds

The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium was awarded $471,500 for research, extension and education programs on coastal issues, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. announced Monday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration manages Sea Grant, a nationwide network of 32 university-based programs that work with coastal communities. Located on Sandy Hook, the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is a National Recreation Area that falls under the National Park Service’s jurisdiction. The consortium conducts research and hosts educational programs on the state’s marine and coastal environment.

The consortium’s facilities sustained damage by Superstorm Sandy and were closed for months while repairs were done.

“This funding for research and education at New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is more important now than ever after the devastating impact Superstorm Sandy had on our coastal communities,” said Pallone.  “NJSGC is a prime example of good ocean science research and its work helps us better understand our marine environment, so we can mitigate adverse effects of disasters like Sandy on our economy and ecosystem.”

The funding will benefit a number of the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s research and education initiatives, including providing assistance to coastal municipalities with dune building and shoreline engineering; working with bait and tackle shops and marinas to assess Sandy’s impact and explaining rebuilding information; and providing educational resources to students and teachers to help them better understand the connection between storm intensity, rising seas and climate change.