Offshore staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. --The MMS has announced Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) allocation amounts available to eligible states for 2007 and 2008. The eligible OCS producing states include Alabama, Alaska, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

"MMS is making these amounts known to the CIAP states and Coastal Political Subdivisions (CPS) so they can better plan for the qualifying projects and activities that will benefit coastal areas," says Johnnie Burton, MMS director.

"MMS, as part of our mission, takes seriously the need for coastal restoration. To that end, we will be reviewing states' plans and proposals carefully to ensure that the funds are applied appropriately."

The CIAP funds will be awarded through a grant process.

The CIAP was established under section 384 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, through MMS, to distribute $250 million annually to Alabama, Alaska, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas in fiscal years 2007 through 2010.

According to the MMS, CIAP funds are allocated to each producing state and eligible CPS (counties, parishes or boroughs) based upon allocation formulas prescribed by the Act. Each eligible state is allocated its share based on the State's Qualified Outer Continental Shelf Revenue (QOCSR) generated off of its coast in proportion to total QOCSR generated off the coasts of all eligible states.

4/17/2007