376 



It is indeed a hard choice we must make. But, if we are able to pro- 

 vide adequate protection of our coastal zone's natural environment as 

 well as to arrange for the optimum utilization of its resources — we 

 must act now. 



The Coastal Zone Management Act is a call to action to confront this 

 serious situation. The proposed legislation, H.E. 14146, is designed to 

 encouraged coastal States to move forward more rapidly in the devel- 

 opment of a coordinated and cohesive coastal zone management pro- 

 gram. This program of cooperation between the Federal, State, and 

 local governments would significantly aid in the development of land 

 and water use programs for the coastal areas. 



In accomplishing the purpose of this bill, the Federal Government 

 would provide funding to aid the States in the development of their 

 programs and later the administration of them. 



The bill establishes a grand program to the States to allow contribu- 

 tions, sharing up to two-thirds of a State's costs in their management 

 plan programs. Each State affected would be able to share equally in 

 this program as only a maximum of 15 percent of the total amount 

 appropriated can be spent in any one State. 



Only those programs that are progressing satisfactory will be al- 

 lowed to receive funding for a second grant. The legislation will be 

 administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- 

 tion. NOAA will serve as the focal point in the Federal Government 

 for coastal zone coordination and for the funding of approved State 

 programs. 



This legislation, I believe, represents a great step forward in recog- 

 nizing the tremendous importance of the orderly development and prO' 

 tection of our coastal areas. It recognizes that various local interests 

 must be drawn into State management programs. Throughout the bill 

 provisions are made for broad coordination to insure the best possible 

 approach to the problem. 



I believe this is a workable program for the solution of a serious 

 program that might continue to menace us in even greater propor- 

 tions in the future. I welcome this legislation to meet the challenge and 

 I welcome this opportunity to support it. 



Mr. Chairman, I urge the approval of H.R. 14146. 



Mr, Lennox. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to 

 the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Pickle) . 



Mr. Pickle. Mr, Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. 



I rise in strong support of H.R. 14146, 



Mr, Chairman, it is past time that we establish a national policy and 

 develop a program to assist States in the effective management, pro- 

 tection, and development of the coastal zones, I am particularly glad 

 to see the management program grants authorized so that the States 

 might present plans to manage these zones, and if the development 

 grants are approved then the possibility follows that the administra- 

 tive and estuaries sanctuary grants would be provided. 



Texas has done a great deal of work in the planning for our coastal 

 zones. Legislative and advisory committees are at work now, and I 

 think our State will be in position to take advantage of some of these 

 grants if this bill is passed, I commend the Merchant Marine and 

 Fisheries Committee for the advancement of this measure because we 



