By Pepper Fisher

SEATTLE – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced Tuesday a $3.3 billion funding commitment through the Inflation Reduction Act to build climate resilience and support coastal communities like ours.

The plan includes a $3 million down payment for construction of a new joint facility to be shared by Feiro Marine Life Center and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center in Port Angeles. The project will be located on the waterfront alongside the new Field Arts and Events Hall.

The facility is designed to make the Marine Sanctuary more accessible to the community by providing public education spaces, and offices for sanctuary personnel and scientists that help protect our treasured coastal resource.

The announcement came from US Senator Maria Cantwell’s office, saying this initial $3 million funding will help get the project started. The total cost of the project will be around $25 million.

We spoke with Sanctuary Superintendent Kevin Grant, who told us that while the announcement came a little earlier than they expected, his agency is extremely grateful for the funding, and he provided this statement from NOAA.

“NOAA’s Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA funding, includes a three million dollar grant to the Feiro Marine Life Center to begin the process for construction of a new Marine Discovery Center in Port Angeles. Construction will be undertaken collaboratively with Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and Feiro Marine Life Center. The announcement obviously has been made, but the process has just begun, and we will have more detailed information ready for you in a few weeks.”

The Executive Director of Feiro Marine Life Center, Melissa Williams, says this down payment speaks volumes about NOAA’s commitment to bringing this project fruition.

“I’m really excited about this release of funds. Three million dollars isn’t going to get us all the way, but it is a great start. We’ve been working with Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary for I think about 20 years, and it’s such a great vote of confidence that they have in the project.” 

Kevin Grant has assured us that there is more news to come about this project, and hopefully some design drawings, in the coming weeks.