**GAO-08-1045**                      Published: Sep 12, 2008. Publicly Released: Sep 29, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

In 1972, Congress enacted the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) to protect the nation's coastlines from growing demands associated with residential, recreational, commercial, and industrial uses. The act encourages coastal states and territories to develop programs to manage and balance economic development and coastal protection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) administers the program and provides financial and technical assistance to participating states. GAO was asked to provide information on (1) NOAA's methodology for awarding CZMA grants to the states, (2) the extent to which NOAA has processes for ensuring that grants are used in a manner that is consistent with the CZMA, and (3) the extent to which NOAA's state program evaluations and performance measurement system enable the agency to assess the effectiveness of the National Coastal Zone Management Program. GAO reviewed relevant laws, regulations, and documents and interviewed NOAA and the 34 state coastal program officials.

## Recommendations

## Matter for Congressional Consideration

## Recommendations for Executive Action

See All 7 Recommendations

## Full Report

Highlights

Full Report (59 pages)

Accessible Text 

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## Topics

Natural Resources and Environment

Appropriated fundsCoastal zone managementData integrityEvaluation criteriaFederal aid to statesFederal regulationsFunds managementGrant administrationGrant monitoringGrants to statesInternal controlsNonpoint source pollutionPerformance measuresPolicy evaluationPollution controlProgram evaluationProgram managementReporting requirementsState programsFederal and state relations