The NewsRoom
Release: #3560
Date: September 29, 2006

MMS Announces Availability of Coastal Impact Assistance Program Guidelines

Six States May Share $250 Million in Each Fiscal Year 2007 Through 2010

WASHINGTON – The Minerals Management Service (MMS) today announced in the Federal Register the availability of Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) Guidelines. The agency has provided the CIAP Guidelines to Governors and CIAP coordinators for the states of Alaska, California, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The guidelines are posted online at www.mms.gov/offshore/CIAPmain.htm.

The CIAP was established under section 384 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, as delegated to the MMS to distribute $250 million annually to these six outer continental shelf (OCS) oil and gas producing states in fiscal years 2007 through 2010. The EPACT requires that all CIAP funding be used for projects and activities for the conservation, protection, or restoration of coastal areas, including wetland; mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources; planning assistance and the administrative costs of complying with CIAP legislation; implementation of a federally-approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan; or mitigation of the impact of outer Continental Shelf activities through funding of onshore infrastructure projects and public service needs. The funds will be allocated to each producing state and eligible coastal subdivision (such as counties, parishes or boroughs) based upon allocation formulas prescribed by the Act. All funds will be disbursed through a grant process.

“We encourage eligible States to apply for and make full use of the CIAP funds,” said MMS Director Johnnie Burton. “These funds can be applied to projects and activities for the conservation, protection, or restoration of coastal and wetland areas as well as mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources from human or natural impacts.”

In order to receive CIAP funds, states are required to submit a coastal impact assistance plan. States may begin submitting plans with the issuance of these guidelines, and plans must be submitted no later than July 1, 2008. MMS must approve the State Plan before funds can be disbursed. In addition, states are required to submit individual grant applications as required and governed by DOI’s grant regulation. The CIAP Guidelines have been developed by the MMS in conjunction with the affected states to provide the information necessary for states to develop and submit their plans.

On March 7, 2006, the MMS sent Draft CIAP Guidelines to each of the six states and requested their written comments by April 27, 2006. The MMS then held a two-day workshop with State and coastal political subdivision representatives to discuss the draft guidelines and evaluate the written responses in Reston, Virginia July 17-18, 2006.

Relevant Web Site:
   MMS Main Website

Media Contact:
   Nicolette Nye  703/787-1011

MMS: Securing Ocean Energy & Economic Value for America
U.S. Department of the Interior
 

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