WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded the Penobscot Indian Nation $199,998 to increase the tribe’s involvement and support of energy, climate change and ocean-related issues. Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and dispersed via NOAA’s Regional Ocean Partnerships Program, this award will help bolster research projects, survey submerged archaeological and historical sites and create a draft tribal climate action plan.

“The Penobscot Nation has long been stewards of Maine’s natural environment,” said the Members of Congress. “This funding will be critical as Penobscot Nation leaders work alongside other Wabanaki nations and Maine state officials to better understand and address our state’s environmental and climate challenges, especially coastal and ocean resiliency. We look forward to opportunities for our First People, state and Nation to collaborate when it comes to conserving our lands and waters.”

Regional Ocean Partnerships (ROPs) are organized by governors to better work in collaboration with other governments, including tribal government, federal agencies and local stakeholders, to address ocean and coastal issues.

###