Monmouth Times

Pallone Led Transfer of Lab Ownership to Federal Government that will Expand Opportunities for Federal Funding

Sandy Hook, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony today formally transferring ownership of the James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory at Sandy Hook to the federal government. This National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) federal lab had been operating under a lease agreement with the state. The transfer required an act of Congress that Pallone spearheaded and was officially implemented this year. As a result of the successful transition, the lab is again eligible to receive critical federal investments. 

Pallone and NOAA also announced that the Lab will use $1.5 million from the Hurricane Sandy Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Act to renovate laboratory and office spaces, the data center, utilities, and security systems.

“The Howard NOAA lab is critical to our understanding of a range of issues important to coastal communities, including the effects of climate change on coastal habitats. That's why I led the effort in Congress to formally transfer ownership of the lab to the federal government. With this transfer, the lab will be eligible for federal funding so that scientists can continue their research,” said Pallone. “I’m also pleased that the lab will use $1.5 million in federal funding to make important upgrades, which will help enhance the lab’s ability to conduct research. I want to thank all the scientists at the lab whose cutting-edge research helps our understanding of marine habitats right here in New Jersey.”

“NOAA is excited to officially accept ownership of the James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory from the State of New Jersey. This facility - which has been called a 'unique gem of the Northeast' - provides a critical connection for NOAA to the scientists, stakeholders, and communities we serve in the mid-Atlantic region. This transfer ensures that the important environmental research that has gone on at this lab will continue for years to come,” said Benjamin Friedman, NOAA Deputy Under Secretary for Operations.

Pallone has been a longtime advocate for the lab, which conducts important research on the effects of the climate crisis, offshore wind energy, microplastics, finfish aquaculture, and habitat ecology. Last month, he secured $5 million in federal funding for the lab to upgrade the facility’s saltwater intake system. Last year, he secured $480,000 to hire additional researchers, provide lab space for students from nearby underserved communities, and help promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the scientific community.

Original source can be found here