WASHINGTON, D.C. -— U.S. Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced a total of $4,551,164 in federal funding for coastal zone management projects in Maine. The federal grants were awarded by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration under the U.S. Department of Commerce. "This federal funding is critical for implementing the approved coastal zone management programs that are vital to the protection and long-term prosperity of Maine's pristine coastline," said Snowe and Collins in a joint statement. Federal grants awarded for Coastal Zone Management projects include: · $2,968,000 to the Maine State Planning Office, to implement a federally approved coastal management program including conservation of coastal habitats, management of storm water runoff, shoreline development, improve water quality, and perform maintenance dredging. · $1,583.164 to the Town of Yarmouth, to acquire at least two sites along the Royal River estuary to conserve open space and provide recreational opportunities for the public. ###