Rep. Huffman Secures $6M for Elk River Restoration

TL/DR –

The Elk River Estuary in California will receive $6 million in federal funding for a habitat restoration project, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Rep. Jared Huffman assisted in passing. The Elk River Estuary Restoration Project is the first step in a long-term, community-based program that aims to address issues caused by excessive timber harvest, boost regional resilience to sea level rise and large storm events, and improve water quality and habitat conditions. This funding is a part of a nationwide $123 million allocation across state and territorial coastal management programs and national estuarine research reserves.

Elk River Estuary Receives $6 Million Federal Funding for Restoration Project

U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) has announced the Elk River Estuary’s selection by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for a $6 million federal funding for a large-scale habitat restoration project. The funding was facilitated by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Rep. Huffman played a crucial role in passing.

“Our coasts are facing significant impacts from climate change, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and communities reliant on healthy coastal habitats,” said Rep. Huffman. “This project on the Elk River aims to enhance critical infrastructure, boosting resistance against sea level rise and safeguarding habitats for regional salmon populations.”

Darren Mierau, North Coast Regional Director, CalTrout, expressed gratitude to NOAA’s Coastal Zone Management program for their support. “We’re now transitioning from the engineering design phase to implementing necessary coastal resilience projects on the Elk River. These upgrades will preserve agricultural lands, revitalize essential habitats for native salmon, and increase resilience against sea-level rise along Humboldt Bay’s shoreline,” he said.

The Elk River Estuary Restoration Project is the initial step in a decades-long, community-based program aimed at resolving legacy sediment and water quality impairment issues. The project seeks to improve hydrologic processes, water quality, and aquatic and riparian habitat functions in Elk River, thereby reducing nuisance flooding in rural residential properties and agricultural land.

The project forms part of a nationwide $123 million funding across state and territorial coastal management programs and national estuarine research reserves. Jainey K. Bavishi, assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and deputy NOAA administrator, stated, “These transformative projects will enhance community resilience and ensure that innovations are accessible across the board.”

These investments will complement and leverage other opportunities for habitat conservation and restoration, including funding through NOAA’s Community-based Restoration Program and the National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund.

More information on current and future funding opportunities can be found on NOAA’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act websites.

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