EPA Provides Millions in Beach Grants
EPA announced it is providing $9.75 million in 2008 beach grants, designed to monitor beach water quality and notify the public of beach warnings and closings when bacteria levels rise too high.
The funds are available to 35 eligible states, territories and tribes for the eighth consecutive year. Since 2000, over $71 million has been awarded.
“When it’s finally time to hit the shores this summer, beachgoers will be both better protected and better informed,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “With this additional funding, we will continue to improve water quality and ensure that waves are the only thing to catch at America’s beaches.”
EPA is also developing new technologies to more quickly identify possible bacteria contamination at beaches, and continues its SunWise Program to teach children how to guard against sun overexposure.
To monitor beach water quality in your area, visit Earth 911′s sister site Beaches 911.
