The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today, June 13, the allocation of $9.75 million in grant funding aimed at assisting coastal and Great Lakes communities in safeguarding the health of beachgoers. The funding is designated to support water quality monitoring and public notification programs across various states, Tribes, and territories.
“Every summer Americans flock to oceanside and Great Lakes beaches to enjoy recreation time with family and friends, making these important destinations as well as economic and tourism engines for our economy,” said Acting EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Protecting water quality at beaches is a priority for EPA and with these grants we are helping our state, Tribal, and local partners monitor water quality to ensure it is safe for residents and visitors.”
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to aid them in monitoring water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. These agencies inform the public by posting beach advisories or closings when bacteria levels are deemed unsafe for swimming.
“The Southeast is home to some of the most toured beaches in the nation,” said Acting Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “BEACH Act funds ensure the communication of vital information concerning coastal recreation water quality, beach conditions, and public safety on the East and Gulf Coast.”
Since 2001, nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants have been awarded by the EPA to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify pollution sources, and notify the public accordingly. For 2024 allocations, three factors influenced grant amounts: length of the beach season, miles of shoreline, and populations of coastal counties.
To qualify for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public along with a water quality standards program meeting EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards. Additionally, eligible entities must satisfy 11 performance criteria related to monitoring, assessment, and notification components.
The following states in Region 4 will receive funds contingent upon meeting eligibility requirements:
- Alabama: $260,000
- Florida: $478,000
- Georgia: $279,000
- Mississippi: $256,000
- North Carolina: $293,000
- South Carolina: $289,000
Further details about BEACH Act grants can be accessed through relevant state or territorial beach program websites.
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