Issued: May 25, 2023 (12:38pm EDT)

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EPA to Award Over $10 Million in Grants to Support Water Quality Monitoring at Beaches to Protect Public Health

WASHINGTON (May 25, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $10.6 million in grant funding to help coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers this summer. The funding will assist many states, Tribes and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches.

"Many people spend time in the summer splashing, swimming, and playing at a favorite beach, which is why EPA is providing more than $10 million to help states and local partners monitor water quality," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. "These grants help states, Tribes, and territories fund programs to ensure that our coastal waters are safe for swimming and recreation."

Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, EPA awards grants to eligible states, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public and post beach warnings or closings.

Since 2001, EPA has awarded nearly $216 million in BEACH Act grants to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria and help with public notification and identification of the problem. This program is essential for protecting the health of beachgoers across the country.

"With summer right around the corner, tens of millions of Americans are making plans to travel to our beautiful beaches in Delaware and around the country," said Senator Carper (DE), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. "Fortunately, EPA is providing states and communities with the tools to ensure the safety of the water at our nation's beaches, which are an integral part of our tourism economy and important ecosystems for wildlife and migratory birds."

"New Jerseyans and visitors are ready to flock to the Jersey Shore this weekend, so it's great to see that our state is receiving federal funding to help protect public health and give beachgoers the peace of mind they deserve," said Congressman Pallone (NJ-06). "New Jersey's beaches are a treasure, and this funding will help make sure they remain clean and safe. I've long advocated for federal funding to make sure our recreational waters for swimming, surfing, and fishing are safe, and I'll continue to fight to deliver the resources New Jersey's towns need."

EPA's 2023 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following states, Tribes, and territories contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:

EPA Region 1
Connecticut $236,000
Maine $272,000
Massachusetts $275,000
New Hampshire $214,000
Rhode Island $228,000

EPA Region 2
New Jersey $300,000
New York $363,000
Puerto Rico $344,000
U.S. Virgin Islands $309,000

EPA Region 3
Delaware $223,000
Maryland $283,000
Pennsylvania $235,000
Virginia $291,000

EPA Region 4
Alabama $278,000
Florida $547,000
Georgia $301,000
Mississippi $270,000
North Carolina $327,000
South Carolina $317,000

EPA Region 5
Illinois $258,000
Indiana $222,000
Michigan $298,000
Minnesota $217,000
Ohio $242,000
Wisconsin $241,000
Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians $60,000
Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa $56,000

EPA Region 6
Louisiana $381,000
Texas $405,000

EPA Region 9
American Samoa $308,000
California $536,000
Guam $309,000
Hawaii $348,000
Northern Mariana Islands $313,000

EPA Region 10
Alaska $166,000
Makah Tribe of the Makah Indian Reservation $56,000

Oregon $247,000
Washington $287,000
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community $56,000

More information on BEACH Act grants.

Check the relevant state, Tribal, or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information at a particular beach.

 

Contact Information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

 

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