Resource Management:

Information on the Coastal Zone Management Program

RCED-86-89FS, Feb 13, 1986

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Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Coastal Zone Management Program, focusing on: (1) federal program objectives; (2) the status of state programs; (3) the results of previous program studies; (4) program benefits cited by state officials; and (5) concerns raised by federal and state program officials.

GAO found that, under the program, NOAA has provided about $291 million to participating states to promote the wise use and protection of coastal resources. Most eligible states have received federal approval for their program plans. GAO noted that: (1) past studies, including its own, have indicated the need for improvements in program management; (2) more recent studies have assessed whether federal funding for the program should continue and whether the program's results can be meaningfully evaluated; and (3) some state officials expressed concern about the degree of federal program control and direction.