A bipartisan bill introduced on Dec. 9 by U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Susan Collins (R-ME) would ramp up workforce capacity for federal coastal zone management programs via fellowships that states and territories utilize to protect their communities from hazards.
These fellowships, said Sen. Wicker, “have provided opportunities that address the needs of coastal communities and help establish a better future for our economy and environment.”
Specifically, the Coastal Fellowships Act of 2021, S. 3351, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), would support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Management and Digital Coast Fellowships.
“This legislation will ensure NOAA can continue training new fellows to assist Mississippi and other coastal states across the country,” Sen. Wicker said. “I am glad to join my colleague Senator Coons in advancing this worthy initiative.”
Sen. Collins pointed out that her home state of Maine has thousands of miles of coastline, as well as diverse ocean and intertidal ecosystems that support the livelihoods of many residents.
“NOAA’s fellowship programs help to keep communities strong by supporting postgraduate students’ work with states to increase coastal resilience, protect the environment, and promote a strong ocean economy,” said Sen. Collins. “Reauthorizing these fellowships would help preserve these precious natural resources for current and future generations.”
Among several provisions, S. 3351 would codify the NOAA Coastal Management and Digital Coast Fellowships; authorize sufficient appropriations to fully support NOAA’s administration of the program; and improve benefits for fellows, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Wicker’s office.
Additionally, the bill would give fellows direct hire authority to facilitate the transition from the fellowship into the federal workforce for fellows interested in joining a federal agency, the summary says.
The bill has been referred to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for consideration.
Sen. Coons noted that coastal management resources are crucial to protecting vulnerable communities. “I’m glad to support the authorization and increased funding of these essential NOAA fellowship programs that bring vital expertise to coastal management projects in Delaware and many other coastal states and territories,” he said.