Problems Continue in the Federal Management of the Coastal Zone Management Program

Conflicting demands by industrial, commercial, and residential developers and those who wish to preserve, protect, and restore valuable resources in coastal States and territories continue in the 19 States having federally approved management programs. GAO reviewed the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program in 1976 and reported that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which administers the program, did not always understand State problems and progress. The report stated that NOAA had been long on encouraging States but short on effective monitoring and problem solving. Because States were entering a new phase in the program, GAO proposed that NOAA increase assistance in monitoring State programs, resolving special problems, and strengthening Federal/State coordination. The Department of Commerce agreed with the GAO proposals and started corrective action. A followup was made on the Federal management of the CZM program.