URI Coastal Resources Center awarded
$10.2 Million Grant

KINGSTON, R.I. -- September 28, 2000 -- The Coastal Resources Center (CRC) at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography has been awarded a $10.3 million grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), extending the agency's cooperative agreement with the University. The announcement was made Tuesday by U.S. Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Bob Weygand.

The Coastal Resources Center, located at URI's Narragansett Bay campus, has been working to advance coastal management worldwide since 1971. It was created by an executive decree by Governor Frank Licht, and helped develop Rhode Island's coastal management program, one of the first in the nation.

"The extension of this agreement with USAID is a testament to the success of this international partnership and program," said URI President Robert L. Carothers. "It's a plus for URI and the state, and it recognizes the success the center has had in helping people improve their quality of life, while preserving and protecting their environment. We are very grateful for Congressman Weygand's and Senator Reed's support and leadership on this important URI program and international environmental issue," he added.

In making the announcement, Sen. Reed commented: "Through proper management of coastal resources, Rhode Island has become a model for maintaining the delicate balance between the environment and economic development. With these funds, the URI Coastal Resources Center will continue to play a major role in helping other nations to protect and preserve their fragile coastal environments for future generations."

"Rhode Island is tangible proof of proper coastal management. It is critical that the University share its knowledge with other countries throughout the world so that the global community may share our commitment to coastal preservation," said URI alumnus Congressman Weygand.

In addition to its ongoing work in Rhode Island and the United States, through its collaboration with USAID the Center has been involved in developing international coastal management programs since 1985. Early pilot projects were carried out in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Ecuador. The CRC is currently working on USAID-funded coastal management initiatives in various areas including: Indonesia, Mexico, and Tanzania.

"It is rewarding to receive this show of confidence in the Coastal Resources Center's ability to create successful coastal management programs in sites from Asia to Africa to Latin America," said Stephen Olsen, director of CRC. "We have not only been able to influence major national policy decisions, but what is most exciting and gratifying is to help people who live along the coast to benefit from the resources in their own backyards. The tradition of local environmental stewardship we have come to admire here in Rhode Island is now being developed on a global scale."

USAID is an independent federal government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State and works in partnership with private volunteer organizations, indigenous organizations, universities, American businesses, international agencies, other governments, and other U.S. government agencies. USAID has working relationships with more that 3,500 American companies and over 300 U.S.-based private voluntary organizations. The agency works to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives and achieve sustainable development in: economic growth and agricultural development; population, health and nutrition; environment; democracy and government; education and training; and, humanitarian assistance.

For Information: Jhodi Redlich, 874-4500, jredlich@uri.edu
Chip Young, 874-6630, cyoung@gso.uri.edu