The Coastal Jobs Creation Act of 2011 - Fall

Advisor: Lloyd Kass

This workshop project analyzes the Coastal Jobs Creation Act of 2011, a federal proposal aimed at revitalizing coastal economies while addressing environmental degradation of marine ecosystems. The Act responds to declining fish stocks, habitat loss, pollution, and economic instability in coastal communities, particularly those dependent on fisheries and marine industries. The team evaluates the environmental and socioeconomic challenges affecting U.S. coastal regions and examines the legislative evolution of the Act, including its predecessor and the political debates surrounding federal funding. Central to the proposal is the creation of a federal grant program administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to support projects that generate employment while improving ecosystem health.

The report proposes a structured implementation strategy centered on a NOAA-led grant program supported by an interagency task force. The design prioritizes projects aligned with existing NOAA programs to streamline approval processes and ensure measurable environmental and economic outcomes. Key recommendations include establishing clear eligibility criteria, integrating performance management systems, and balancing environmental restoration with job creation metrics. The project highlights the importance of efficient fund allocation and interagency coordination to minimize administrative burden while maximizing impact. Overall, the report positions the Act as a mechanism to link environmental restoration with economic recovery, demonstrating how targeted federal investment can support both ecosystem resilience and sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.