U.S. Sens. Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) today announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded $2.4 million to the Maine State Planning Office in Augusta.

After 34 years of providing vital federal funding to the State of Maine, the NOAA's Coastal Zone Management Administration Award will help the Maine State Planning Office develop and monitor Maine's coastal region plan in regards to economic growth, housing, transportation, and natural resources.

"This NOAA funding will help Maine's coastal communities plan for the future while protecting marine habitats and encouraging public participation," Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement.