The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS or System) consists of estuarine areas of the United States and its territories designated and managed for research and educational purposes.
Each Reserve within the system is chosen to represent a different bio-geographic region and to include
a variety of ecosystem types in accordance with the classification scheme of the national program as specified in 15 C.F.R.
Part 92 1. By funding designated Reserve agencies and universities to conduct land acquisition and construction projects that support the NERRS mission, NOAA will strengthen protection of key land and water areas, enhance long-term protection of Reserve areas for research and education, and provide for facility and exhibit construction that meet the highest sustainable design standards possible.
NOAA anticipates approximately $ 1. 7 million in Fiscal Year 2016 will be available to designated lead Reserve agencies or universities in coastal states for approximately 1-10 construction and acquisition projects, from approximately $20,000 to $800,000 each and with project periods typically covering 12-36 months, depending on the availability of funds.