Search
Ocean waters with dramatic clouds at sunset, representing federal investment in America's coastal zone management programs

Funding America’s Coasts

For over half a century, CZM programs have been central to addressing urgent coastal challenges.

For over half a century, state and territorial Coastal Zone Management (CZM) programs—established under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972—have been central to addressing the nation’s most urgent coastal challenges. As coastal hazards, such as sea level rise, stronger storms, erosion, and flooding, intensify, the demands on CZM programs have grown significantly over time, straining the limited resources of these programs. While states rely on investments from a combination of sources, including state appropriated funds, various state fees and voluntary contributions, federal funds for coastal management are vital.

A Historic Investment: Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law and Inflation
Reduction Act

$ 0 m

Federal Investment in CZM over 5 Years

$ 0 m

Inflation Reduction Act gave CZM $44 million in grants.

$ 0 k

Each CZM Program received up to 300k annually.

In November 2021, with the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), CZM programs received a much needed infusion 
of funds.

Through this legislation, the federal government made a historic $207 million investment in Coastal Zone Management over five years (Fiscal Year 2022 thru Fiscal Year 2026).These investments were further bolstered by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, which allowed CZM programs to leverage an additional $44 million in grants. While much of this funding was awarded through competitive grant processes, each CZM program received up to $300,000 annually to support program capacity and projects.

The funds from BIL and IRA were directed for specific projects, presenting a unique opportunity to make strategic, large-scale investments in the long-term resilience of our nation’s coasts. These projects supported habitat restoration and ecosystem conservation efforts that provide added resilience benefits, such as flood protection, to the surrounding coastal communities. These investments will expand the protection and restoration of wetlands, coral habitats, and natural shorelines, which in turn reduce economic losses from climate-driven hazards.

These efforts also have sought to complement other federal habitat restoration efforts to maximize nationwide impact, including supporting the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, Tribal Nations, local communities and non-governmental organizations.

Unfortunately, year 5 BIL/IRA funds were eliminated in the FY 2026 appropriations bill, reducing the overall amount of funds that CZMPs received.

Read More About BIL/IRA Supported Projects
Sailboat Reflecting In Calm Coastal Waters 2

Annual Funding: Federal
Appropriations

While BIL and IRA funds provided additional funds for a short period of time, CZM programs rely on annual appropriations from Congress for sustainable funding year-to-year. The federal government, under section 306/306a of the Coastal Zone Management Act, provides grants to states to support the administration and implementation of their state’s federally approved coastal management plan. States, as required by law, match these funds dollar-for-dollar. These funds allow state CZM programs to hire staff, cover administrative and management costs (such as those associated with enforcing policies and issuing permits), acquire land, construct projects, maintain and refurbish waterfront infrastructure and more.

Chart Updated

Annual appropriations for coastal zone programs have remained largely stagnant. Between FY2002 and FY2017 the appropriations for CZM Grants went up from $68.93 million to only $70 million.

While there have been more recent increases in funding, with levels reaching $81.5 million in FY 2024, these funding levels have not kept pace with inflation or the increased costs of staffing and operating programs, requiring many programs to effectively run on a deficit.

Congressional or government hearing room with American flags and people testifying about coastal zone management funding and policy
People kayaking and canoeing on a calm coastal river surrounded by green trees, demonstrating recreational use of protected coastal areas
People kayaking and canoeing on a calm coastal river surrounded by green trees, demonstrating recreational use of protected coastal areas

“…these funding levels have not kept pace with inflation or the increased costs of staffing and operating programs, requiring many programs to effectively run on a deficit.”

Share Your Story
Scroll to top