Coastal Zone Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2005

S. 360, the Coastal Zone Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2005, updates and expands federal support for the management of the nation’s shorelines and Great Lakes. The bill provides funding and grants to help states protect coastal habitats like coral reefs and marshes, improve water quality by reducing polluted runoff, and revitalize waterfront communities. It also strengthens the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, a network of protected areas used for scientific research and public education on how to better preserve coastal ecosystems.

For everyday citizens, this bill aims to ensure cleaner coastal waters and more resilient shorelines through better local planning and the use of new environmental technologies. By providing grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations, the legislation supports projects that restore natural areas and improve how communities manage the environmental impacts of coastal development. Additionally, the bill streamlines the coordination between state and federal agencies to more efficiently handle energy projects and conservation efforts along the coast.