On a bipartisan vote, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved funding for the National Sea Grant program at $65 million for base programs and $11.5 million for Sea Grant aquaculture. Part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency budget, the funding for National Sea Grant supports Sea Grant programs in 33 states, including Connecticut Sea Grant. This follows similar action in the House of Representatives and bodes well for the future of Sea Grant, which had been slated for termination under the President’s budget proposal. Connecticut Sea Grant is grateful for the support that Congress has demonstrated for the program, and the services it provides to communities and the maritime economy. While changes could still be made before passage of a final budget, the prospects for Sea Grant are promising.

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