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Legislation
How do the NEPs receive their funding?

ANEP: Indian River LagoonUnder provisions set in the Clean Water Act, up to one-third of each NEPs funding is earmarked from the EPA. A recent report from the Estuary Programs shows that, based on a conservative analysis, the EPA contribution under Section 320 to implement the NEP estuary management plans was, on average, only 32 percent of the total dollars that these community-based programs directed to actions in the estuaries. In fact, for a quarter of the programs it was less than 20 percent.  In general, this means that for every dollar of direct Clean Water Act Section 320 funding invested, the NEPs leverage at least 2 (and up to 7) dollars from state, local and other funding sources and services.  There are few federal programs that can show this kind of return on investment.  This also reflects the level of State and local commitment to the NEPs as well as recognition that these programs are an effective catalyst for action in our nation's estuaries.

 In a program that has a strong history of leveraging funds, enhanced federal funding will allow the NEPs to bring in additional state, local and other funds to protect our estuaries.  With stable support for the local NEP staff, more staff resources can be devoted to seeking out these additional funding sources and directing them toward creating solutions for estuary problems. Also, the NEPs will have the capacity to accommodate the increased demand for actions in our estuaries as coastal population increases and resources are increasingly stressed.  These programs are already being called upon to deal with emerging issues such as invasive species, harmful algal blooms and sea level rise.  With enhanced funding, the NEPs could meet the growing demand for action while continuing to effectively build local solutions that satisfy identified scientific and economic needs as well as the interests of the many stakeholders in their estuaries.

Partnerships formed within each of the NEPs illustrate their level of commitment from state and local stakeholders, who recognize the programs as effective catalysts for action in our nation's estuaries.

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