WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) joined a bipartisan group of 26 Senators in sending a letter urging the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies to continue to fund the National Sea Grant College Program – at a minimum – at its current funding level of $65 million. 

In the letter to the Subcommittee, the bipartisan group emphasized that the National Sea Grant College Program provides critical support to local businesses, shoreline communities, and students across the country.  In partnership with UMaine Extension, Sea Grant supports a team of extension professionals based in coastal communities from Wells to Eastport who conduct critical marine and coastal research, education, and outreach activities.  From examining the impact of environmental changes on soft-shell clams and other commercially-important species, to coordinating monitoring programs for harmful algae blooms, lobsters, beach water quality, shoreline erosion, and climate change, Sea Grant programs have advanced science that is vital for better understanding and managing our coastal resources for more than 40 years.

“As Senators from some of the states with Sea Grant programs, we see firsthand how this federal investment is leveraged locally to bring immense returns to coastal communities, fishermen, universities, and students,” wrote the bipartisan group of Senators. “Any cuts to this funding would have a devastating impact and we strongly urge you to reject any proposals to reduce this program.”

In addition to Senators Collins and King, the letter was also signed by Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tina Smith (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).

Click HERE to read the letter.

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