Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Projects Selected for Funding

NOAA awarded more than $265 million in funding for 38 projects through the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with funding leveraged from the Inflation Reduction Act. These projects were selected through the Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience funding opportunity.

These projects span a broad range of habitats and restoration techniques. They will reconnect rivers to their historic floodplains, outplant corals to rebuild reefs, build living shorelines that will protect coasts from erosion and sea level rise, and more.

View NOAA’s announcement about these projects selected for funding

Alaska

The Resurrection: Restoration of a Watershed and Salmon in Alaska

The National Forest Foundation will restore salmon habitat in Resurrection Creek, in an area historically altered by gold mining. Resurrection Creek is located on Kenai Peninsula, which supports one of the largest sport fisheries in North America. This effort will benefit numerous salmon species, and will support prey for Cook Inlet beluga whale, a NOAA Species in the Spotlight. It will also provide benefits such as flood reduction and job creation to nearby communities like the Town of Hope. ($3.8 million) 

West Coast

California

Prairie Creek Floodplain Restoration Project Phase 4

The California State Coastal Conservancy will restore high-priority salmon habitat in northern Humboldt County by reconnecting floodplains, adding channel complexity, and restoring vegetation in Prairie Creek. The work will support recovery of key salmon species and will provide an opportunity for the Yurok Tribe to implement restoration efforts on their ancestral lands. It will also strengthen the climate resilience of both salmon and local communities by helping maintain cool stream temperatures and reducing flooding. ($7 million) 

Lower Russian Watershed Coho Habitat Restoration Project

Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District will lead wetland and floodplain habitat restoration at seven sites in two high-priority tributaries in the lower Russian River watershed. These efforts will significantly improve connectivity between streams and their floodplains, restore and reconnect wetlands, and remove barriers to fish migration. This work will support the recovery of endangered Central California Coast coho salmon (a NOAA Species in the Spotlight) and other salmon and steelhead species. The work will also help reduce flooding in surrounding communities, which have become more frequently inundated as the region’s precipitation comes in larger, less predictable storm events. ($8.4 million)

Restoring Kelp Forest Habitat in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

Greater Farallones Association will restore bull kelp at four locations along the Sonoma County coastline in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. They will restore nearly 47 acres of kelp forest by planting bull kelp and removing purple sea urchins to protect new kelp growth and restore balance to the ecosystem. Bull kelp is a foundational species, but has been in serious decline over the past decade. Restoring this habitat will help build ecological and community resilience within the sanctuary and along the northern California coast. ($4.9 million)

Priority Coho Salmon and Steelhead Watershed Restoration, Northern Santa Cruz Mountains

San Mateo County Resource Conservation District will advance 18 projects to restore estuary, stream, and floodplain habitat in two high-priority watersheds in San Mateo County. This work on Pescadero and San Gregorio Creeks will benefit endangered Central California Coast coho salmon, a NOAA Species in the Spotlight. The work will also reduce flooding in a rural community and improve community access to a clean, reliable water supply. ($4.9 million)

Restoring Rearing Habitat for Juvenile Coho Salmon, Smith River, California

Smith River Alliance will restore habitat in the Smith River watershed to support one of the largest runs of salmon and steelhead in California. This work will also help improve the climate resilience of local communities. For example, an existing bridge will be relocated and replaced with a new structure that will withstand stronger storms and maintain access for emergency services, helping protect Del Norte County communities against future flood and wildfire risk. ($5.4 million)

Mendocino Coast Transformational Habitat Restoration for Coho Salmon Recovery

The Nature Conservancy will restore high-priority floodplain and stream habitat on three rivers in coastal Mendocino County. This work will significantly benefit endangered Central California Coast coho salmon (a NOAA Species in the Spotlight) and other threatened species, building on more than 10 years of previous efforts. It will also benefit downstream communities through reduced flooding. ($8.3 million)

Oregon

Clackamas Partnership Native Fish Population Habitat Resilience

The Johnson Creek Watershed Council, in close collaboration with the Clackamas Partnership, will conduct 10 restoration projects near Portland in the Clackamas and Lower Willamette Rivers. The work will benefit several threatened salmon species. It will also help reduce community flooding in downstream areas and address safety concerns by improving infrastructure needed for emergency access for local communities. ($3.8 million) 

Quartz Creek Ecosystem Resiliency Project

The McKenzie Watershed Alliance will improve access to habitat in Quartz Creek by replacing an aging, undersized bridge and implementing floodplain restoration. The project area is considered to be the most important remaining area for natural production of Upper Willamette River spring Chinook in the Willamette Basin. A fire in 2020 significantly impacted the project area. This work is expected to help prevent further impacts from fire and climate change by creating landscape scale fire breaks, preventing flooding and erosion, and creating cold water refuge habitat. ($7.5 million)

Washington

Lower Big Quilcene River and Estuary Restoration Project - Moon Valley Reach Construction Phase

The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group will restore habitat in the Big Quilcene River and estuary. Past channelization, dredging, and bank armoring disconnected the river from its floodplains and confined it to a channel that frequently floods. This project will reconnect the river to its entire 140-acre floodplain, eliminating flood hazards in the community of Quilcene. It will also create habitat for threatened Puget Sound Chinook salmon and other key salmon species. ($9.6 million)

Lower East Fork Lewis Floodplain Reclamation

The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership will restore habitat along the lower East Fork Lewis River that has been severely impacted by legacy gravel mining and residential development. This river is a critical watershed for the recovery of Lower Columbia River Chinook salmon, which is a significant portion of the diet for endangered Southern Resident killer whales, a NOAA Species in the Spotlight. ($7.5 million) 

South Fork Nooksack River Restoration Project

Lummi Nation will advance three high-priority salmon restoration projects along the South Fork Nooksack River. Salmon in the Nooksack River watershed are critically important to the livelihood, culture, and well-being of the Lummi Nation, but their abundance has declined substantially from historical levels. This work will support two threatened species: Puget Sound Chinook and Puget Sound steelhead. It will also benefit Southern Resident killer whales, a NOAA Species in the Spotlight, by supporting their prey. ($4.2 million)

Lower South Fork Nooksack Chinook Recovery 2023-2025

Nooksack Indian Tribe will restore habitat to support salmon and steelhead in the South Fork Nooksack River. Declining populations of Chinook salmon and other species have had significant impacts on the tribe’s cultural, subsistence, and commercial fisheries. By increasing habitat complexity and increasing the number of pools in the region to address summer flows, this work will support multiple life stages of salmon, enhance their resilience to climate change, and increase opportunities for tribal uses. ($5.2 million) 

North Whidbey Basin Chinook and Ecosystem Recovery: Skagit River Estuary

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will conduct large-scale marsh restoration in the Skagit River estuary of the North Whidbey basin in Puget Sound, building on more than two decades of NOAA-supported restoration work in the watershed. The effort is expected to significantly contribute to recovery of threatened Puget Sound Chinook and steelhead, and endangered Southern Resident killer whales, a NOAA Species in the Spotlight. ($11.6 million) 

Transformational Chinook Recovery in South Whidbey Basin Watersheds

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will restore habitat on a landscape scale within the South Whidbey Basin of Puget Sound. The Whidbey Basin contains Puget Sound’s three biggest salmon producing rivers and nearly 70 percent of its remaining tidal wetlands, which salmon and steelhead rely on for spawning and rearing habitat. This work will significantly contribute to eliminating estuary habitat as a limiting factor in the recovery of threatened Puget Sound Chinook salmon and steelhead. The work will also benefit endangered Southern Resident killer whales, a NOAA Species in the Spotlight. ($12.1 million) 

Hawaii

REEFrame: Restoration of Severely Degraded Coral Reefs in Hawaii via Permanent Coral Nurseries on 3D Printed Concrete Reef Frameworks

Conservation International Foundation, in close collaboration with the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and other partners, will construct permanent, concrete reef framework structures off of Waikiki Beach on the Island of Oahu. These reef frameworks will serve as coral nurseries, eventually becoming natural coral reefs. This work will benefit the coral reef ecosystem and the many species these habitats support. By enhancing the ecological resilience of Waikiki coral reefs, the project will also increase the socioeconomic resilience of the local communities that depend on them. ($8.9 million) 

Holistic Community-led Habitat Restoration in a Hawaiian Context

Mālama Maunalua will use a traditional Native Hawaiian-based ridge-to-reef (ahupua’a) strategy to restore habitat in the Niu, Kuli‘ou‘ou, and Wailupe watersheds in southeast Oahu. Restoration across the mountains, flatlands, and coral reefs of the bay itself will holistically build resilience across the ecosystem, supporting the many species and communities that rely on these habitats. ($7.8 million)

Gulf of Mexico

Alabama

Implementing Nature-based Solutions for Habitat, Community, and Coastal Resilience in Mississippi Sound, Alabama

The Nature Conservancy will construct 5,000 feet of living shoreline breakwaters to protect Coffee Island in Mississippi Sound. Coffee Island is a front-line barrier to the northern Mississippi Sound coast, but it has been subject to high erosion rates. Multiple fish species will benefit from the protection of marsh and seagrass habitats around the island and along coastlines to the north. The protection of Coffee Island will also protect shorelines located near coastal communities in south Mobile County and aquaculture installations in Portersville Bay. ($14.6 million)

Alabama and Florida

Perdido Watershed Habitat and Community Resilience Initiative: Incorporating Nature Based and Hybrid Solutions Across Alabama and Florida

The Nature Conservancy will enhance climate resilience in Alabama and Florida as part of the Perdido Watershed Habitat and Community Resilience Initiative. Living shorelines and habitat restoration will be implemented at multiple locations across the coastlines of both states to protect communities from flooding and storms. This will be coupled with a large-scale planning effort to help communities prioritize, plan, and implement additional nature-based solutions to climate impacts. ($12.8 million)

Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas

Gulf of Mexico Community-based Oyster Recycling and Reef Restoration Network

Restore America’s Estuaries will restore oyster reef habitat at multiple sites across the Gulf of Mexico, focusing on the resilience priorities of tribal and underserved communities. They will also develop the Gulf Regional Oyster Network, which will expand and enhance oyster shell recovery programs across the region. The GRO Network will collect oysters from restaurants, recycle them, and put them back in the environment at the oyster reef restoration sites. ($4.9 million)

Florida

Pensacola Bay System Oyster Restoration Initiative

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program, will launch the Oyster Restoration Initiative, an estuary-scale oyster restoration project in the Pensacola Bay watershed. The project also includes the early stages of restoration planning for the Sandy Hollow Gully Restoration Project, which will address upstream sediment impacting downstream oyster habitat quality. A new program will provide cost assistance to encourage the use of living shorelines and other nature-based solutions by local property owners. ($10.9 million) 

Pathways to Transformative Ecological Restoration of Florida's Coral Reef

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium will restore coral reefs at multiple sites in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, focusing on reefs associated with the Mission: Iconic Reefs effort—an unprecedented, decades-long approach to restore iconic coral reef sites in the sanctuary. They will outplant multiple species of coral, including threatened staghorn and elkhorn coral, as well as massive reef-building species such as brain, boulder, and star corals. They will also significantly increase the production and release of Caribbean king crabs to help combat algae. ($7 million)

Sarasota County Alligator Creek Stream Restoration

The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners will restore stream and floodplain habitat in Alligator Creek. Removal of stream barriers will increase access to low-salinity habitats, which are important as fish nurseries and as safe harbor during toxic red tide algal blooms. Habitat restoration will benefit endangered smalltooth sawfish and important recreational species such as red drum. Local communities will benefit from increased protection from flooding, reduced park maintenance costs, and enhanced recreational opportunities. ($14.5 million) 

Louisiana

Bucktown Marsh Restoration and Living Shoreline

Jefferson Parish will construct a living shoreline and restore shoreline habitats along the southern edge of Lake Pontchartrain. This work will rebuild the previously existing natural first-line of defense against storm surge, waves, erosion, and rising sea levels. It will support habitats like marshes and seagrasses, which provide important nurseries and refuge for fish, shrimp, crabs, and more. Protecting the existing levee system from damage will in turn increase the resilience of homes and infrastructure in the local community. ($4.5 million)

Caribbean

Florida, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands

Multi-Site Coral Reef Restoration to Build Resilient Communities in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Coral Restoration Foundation will help rebuild populations of five Endangered Species Act-listed corals across Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The project will span multiple sites associated with ongoing NOAA efforts in these areas. It will also use technologies and best practices from the Florida Keys—where practitioners are at the forefront of coral restoration—to help increase the capacity for coral restoration in Puerto Rico and USVI, developing and scaling up coral nursery infrastructure. ($6.9 million)

Puerto Rico

Multi-strategic Approaches to Scaling-up Ecosystem-based Restoration to Improve Coral Reef Recovery and Resilience around Puerto Rico

The Institute for Socio-Ecological Research will construct five acres of coral reef at three locations in Puerto Rico: Fajardo, Mayaguez, and La Parguera. This work will strengthen ecosystem resilience by addressing the impacts of new coral reef diseases and by reintroducing slow-growing, massive reef-building coral species, including threatened Orbicella coral species and pillar coral. ($10.5 million) 

Restoring the Historic Guánica Lagoon to Reduce Land-based Sources of Pollution in a Priority Watershed in Puerto Rico

Protectores de Cuencas will improve water quality and reduce land-based sources of pollution in the Guánica Bay watershed by working to restore the Guánica Lagoon. Historically, the lagoon spanned approximately 1,200 acres and provided important benefits for fish, wildlife, and local communities. Draining of the lagoon in 1955 significantly affected the ability of the watershed to prevent sediment and nutrients from reaching Guánica Bay and adjacent coastal habitats, including seagrass and coral reefs. ($1 million in first year; up to $7.4 million total over 3 years)

U.S. Virgin Islands

United States Virgin Islands Transformational Reef Restoration

The Nature Conservancy will restore coral reefs within St. Croix East End Marine Park. This large-scale effort will benefit five species of corals, including threatened elkhorn and staghorn corals. Coral outplants will be sourced from donor corals that have survived bleaching events and disease in order to increase genetic diversity and support the reef’s ability to withstand climate change. The work will contribute to a healthy reef ecosystem that supports tourism and fisheries, benefiting the community of St. Croix. ($6.6 million) 

South Atlantic

Florida

McCoys Creek Restoration Construction - The Branches

Groundwork Jacksonville will restore habitat on the Branches reach of McCoys Creek. The project will support the creek’s overall food web, and will improve habitat for forage fish relied on by species like red drum. The project is a top flood reduction priority for the City of Jacksonville, and will eliminate or reduce flooding for homes and other structures. It will also provide enhanced green space and improve water quality in the stream. ($2.8 million) 

Hogans Creek Restoration Design Project

Groundwork Jacksonville will undertake early planning stages for restoring wetland and upland habitat along Hogans Creek. Once implemented, this work will create habitat for species such as sturgeon and shrimp. It will also significantly reduce flooding in nearby communities, improve water quality in the creek, and provide community access to green space and recreation along the river as part of a 30-mile trail system. ($2.9 million) 

North Carolina

Completing the Pamlico Sound Oyster Sanctuary and Training the Next Generation of Restoration Professionals

North Carolina Coastal Federation will restore nearly 120 acres of oyster habitat in Pamlico Sound, leading to the completion of the 500-acre goal of the Jean Preston Memorial Oyster Sanctuary. Restoration will benefit key recreational and commercial species such as striped bass. NCCF will also join with North Carolina State University Center for Marine Sciences and Technology and North Carolina Central University to provide hands-on opportunities for underrepresented graduate and undergraduate students studying marine sciences. ($14.9 million)

South Carolina

Transforming the Scale and Equity of Living Shorelines in South Carolina

The Nature Conservancy will expand and significantly scale up the use of nature-based solutions along the entire coastline of South Carolina. The project will accelerate existing efforts to implement living shoreline projects in underserved communities and develop a plan to address statewide coastal risks in using large-scale nature-based solutions. It will also construct a living shoreline demonstration project at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The project will collaborate with the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Commission to support a community ambassador program for living shorelines. ($6.2 million) 

Northeast and Great Lakes

Maryland

MBRI: Patapsco Delta Sustainable Fishery and Ecosystem Resilience Project

South Baltimore Gateway Community Impact District Management will restore marsh habitat in an urban ecosystem in Baltimore City. The project is part of a larger initiative called Reimagine Middle Branch—a community-led initiative to reconnect South Baltimore residents to the nearby river. The project will increase public access to the river and will help reduce erosion and flooding. ($1 million in first year; up to $4 million total over 3 years)

Massachusetts

Initiating Transformational Habitat Restoration in the Great Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern

The Ipswich River Watershed Association will support habitat restoration in the Great Marsh, the largest remaining salt marsh in New England. Across this region, physical barriers prevent the flow of tidal waters and limit natural marsh functions. IRWA will plan for and begin construction on several efforts to address all remaining high-priority barriers that have been identified in the area. ($1.3 million)

Making Space: The Southeastern Massachusetts Marsh Migration Initiative

Massachusetts Audubon Society will support coastal marsh restoration in southeastern Massachusetts by prioritizing restoration sites and restoring wetlands degraded through historic cranberry farming. Coastal marshes are at severe risk due to climate change and sea level rise. Retired, low-lying cranberry farmlands provide a potential space for coastal wetlands to migrate inland to avoid disappearing. This effort will implement two pilot restoration projects to inform similar, future projects across the region and support sustained cultural land uses for tribal communities. ($4.3 million)

Herring River Restoration Project, Phase 1

The Town of Wellfleet will implement the first phase of the Herring River Restoration Project, the largest salt marsh restoration effort in the northeast United States. Once all phases are complete, the overall effort will restore 890 acres of tidal wetlands and reconnect a functioning estuary to Cape Cod Bay and the Gulf of Maine. The project will significantly improve water quality and habitat for fish and shellfish, help restore the flood and storm protection that healthy salt marshes provide, and rebuild and improve the resilience of local bridges and roads. ($14.6 million) 

Michigan

Lower Lake St. Clair Habitat Restoration Project

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House will develop design plans to restore habitat along Lake St. Clair, in an area where nearly all of the lake’s shoreline has been hardened. Restoration will benefit several native Great Lakes species. It will also reduce impacts from waves and flooding, reduce polluted runoff, increase recreational fishing opportunities, and increase public access to the water. ($500,000 in first year; up to $7 million total over 3 years)

Ohio

Sandusky Bay Initiative: Pickerel Creek East Nature-Based Shoreline Project

The Nature Conservancy will restore shoreline and marsh habitat in Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area along Lake Erie’s Sandusky Bay. The project is part of the broader Sandusky Bay Initiative, a landscape-scale effort to provide cleaner water and healthier habitat for the bay’s fisheries, wildlife, and communities. When fully implemented, an offshore berm will reduce the energy of waves, helping to rebuild a historic shoreline that has been severely eroded. This work will help address significant water quality issues by filtering nutrients and trapping sediment. ($1.5 million in first year; up to $6 million total over 3 years)