The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management cooperates with the Delaware Geological Survey, a unit of the University of Delaware, to forecast the demand for and supply of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) sand and gravel resources along the Mid-Atlantic region to support existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects, public holdings, and critical infrastructure.
Donor Name: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
State: Selected States
County: All Counties
City: Washington D.C.
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 08/07/2023
Size of the Grant: $300,000
Grant Duration: 24 months
Details:
This region is characterized by close interconnections between coastal communities, critical infrastructure (including State and Federal lands), and habitats, which are all at risk to impacts from climate change. This cooperative agreement would apply forecasting tools developed in partnership with the Delaware Geological Survey to expand BOEM’s ongoing evaluation of sediment demand and supply in the Mid-Atlantic. As a result, BOEM would be better equipped to evaluate and characterize regional sand supply gaps over time scenarios relevant to climate change adaptation. Understanding these gaps would help BOEM to identify strategic areas for future investments in data acquisition surveys and to prioritize (de-conflict) sand resource areas in this region of concentrated wind energy infrastructure (including transmission lines). These considerations include mitigating climate change and strengthening resilience by protecting and restoring vulnerable coastlines, which are projected to need OCS sand resources for at least the next 50 years. Datasets would be housed in the Marine Minerals Information System and shared with State resource agencies, Federal partners, and other stakeholders.
Purpose
BOEM’s mission is to promote economic development and energy independence while ensuring protection of the environment. To ensure that the nation receives the best value for its resources, the MMD actively seeks out and generates information to support decision-making both in the DOI and in coastal states and local governments. The MMD also has stewardship responsibilities over OCS marine minerals, whether critical, strategic, or economic.
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), Section 1331 encourages state participation in policy and planning decisions related to OCS resources. OCLSA Section 1336 authorizes leasing of minerals on the OCS. OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected States to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information, joint utilization of available expertise, formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore.
Funding Information
- Maximum Award Amount: $300,000
- Length of Project Periods: 24-month project period with two 12-month budget periods.
Eligibility Criteria
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
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