Coastal Services Center

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About the Coastal Storms Program

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OVERVIEW

MISSION

The Coastal Storms Program is a nationwide effort led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to reduce loss of life and negative impacts on coastal property and the environment caused by coastal storms.

To accomplish this goal, local, state, and federal organizations form a team that focuses on a targeted coastal region. The first step is to assess the region’s risks and needs, and then a strategy is developed to deliver the specific tools, training, data, and other hazard-related products and services to fill those needs.

Project areas thus far include Northeast Florida, Pacific Northwest, Southern California, and the Gulf of Mexico.

NOAA’s Coastal Storms Program was established in 2002. It is housed within the NOAA Coastal Services Center and is coordinated from NOAA headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.

PROGRAM STRENGTHS

The strength of the Coastal Storms Program (CSP) comes from its collaborative nature. Program coordinators reach out across NOAA and other local, state, and federal organizations to garner the expertise and resources needed to create meaningful results and lasting impacts. Additional program strengths include the following characteristics.

Resource Leveraging
CSP leverages 58 cents for every dollar spent on the program and has continued to make progress despite a decrease in funding in recent years. CSP has the proven ability to assemble financial resources, expertise, and tools from multiple agencies throughout NOAA, as well as to secure local resources. In 2006, CSP leveraged over $726,000. If staff time and other in-kind resources are included, CSP leverages much more than this amount. CSP’s ability to overcome institutional obstacles has served as a model within NOAA for improving coordination and combining resources, not only within the agency, but also with federal and local partners. More information on Partnerships can be found here.

Strong Working Partnerships
The success of this program can be attributed to strong working partnerships. CSP focuses on individual regions to better understand and prioritize local needs, fostering close working relationships with local partners and decision makers. CSP also addresses local needs by building partnerships across NOAA and with other federal, state, and local organizations.

User-Driven Products
Projects are selected according to the needs of the community and the capabilities of NOAA to meet those needs. Each region is affected by different hazards and complications. Consequently, each region requires its own individually tailored set of tools and services.

Targeted Outreach
Once products are completed, CSP puts forth a concerted effort to make regional partners and stakeholders aware of them. The CSP team develops outreach materials or activities to demonstrate how each product can enhance local decision-making related to storm and hazard events. Targeted outreach activities take place as needed and can occur throughout the life of the project as regional partners request and require these services.

CONTACT INFORMATION

NOAA Coastal Storms Program
1305 East West Highway, Floor 10
Silver Spring, MD
301-713-0525 ext 185 phone
301-713-4370 fax

NOAA Coastal Services Center
2234 South Hobson Avenue
Charleston, SC 29405
843-740-1200 phone
843-740-1224 fax