Review of the section 309 coastal states enhancement grants program

Abstract

The Federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA) was substantially amended by Congress in 1990 to create a new program. The Coastal Zone Enhancement Grants Program (Section 309) encourages states to improve their coastal zone management (CZM) programs in eight national enhancement areas. A review of the § 309 Enhancement Grants Program between 1992 and 1994 indicates that the overall intent of the program is being actively pursued by all coastal states with some notable achievements. The § 309 program is serving as a catalyst for states to address issues beyond their existing programs and regulations. States are paying more attention to national issues, especially cumulative and secondary impacts of coastal development. States are strengthening their CZM programs through enactment of specific measurable changes such as new legislation, revised regulations, and adoption of local plans. The program's strength comes from its ability to leverage § 309 to targeted needs. It is too soon to determine the unique contribution of the § 309 program, because it is taking longer than anticipated for most states to achieve program changes. Only minor modifications should be made to the § 309 program, to give states time to achieve program changes and to document on‐the‐ground and in‐the‐water results.

Keywords:

• coastal management
• implementation
• national goals
• program evaluation
• state programs