A bill to require the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to award grants to certain entities for purposes of carrying out climate-resilient living shoreline projects that protect coastal communities, and for other purposes.

This bill, introduced by Senator Christopher Murphy, would establish a federal grant program through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to fund "living shoreline" projects. These projects use natural materials—such as plants, sand, and oyster reefs—rather than hard structures like concrete sea walls to stabilize coastal areas and protect them from erosion and storms.

For citizens in coastal communities, this legislation aims to provide more effective, nature-based protection against rising sea levels and extreme weather while preserving local ecosystems and fisheries. The bill also funds research to develop new techniques for coastal resilience and provides incentives for private landowners to implement these natural protections on their own property. Under this proposal, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and Tribal nations would be eligible to apply for these funds to design, build, and monitor the performance of these shoreline projects.