James T. Callahan: “I rise in support of H.R. 437, the National Sea Grant College Program Reauthorization Act. This program is extremely…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 437, the National Sea Grant College Program Reauthorization Act. This program is extremely important to all coastal States, not just the State of Alabama. The National Sea Grant College Program is a Federal-State partnership which works to support 29 sea grant programs in coastal and Great Lakes States and Puerto Rico. It is probusiness, proenvironment, and proeducation. It is a relatively small program which supports fundamental marine research, education, and outreach activities. It assists Federal, State, and local coastal decisionmakers to make informed decisions on issues which affect marine ecosystems, human health, and coastal economies which depend on a healthy and viable research. In the State of Alabama, the National Sea Grant College Program supports the continuing efforts of the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, which brings together people from different occupations and scientific disciplines to address common problems and opportunities that affect the coastal regions of the northern Gulf of Mexico and the Nation and the world.”