MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary Norton to Announce Grants To Conserve Coastal Wetlands in Ten States

Interior Secretary Gale Norton will hold a teleconference Wednesday to announce that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will award grants in 10 states to restore and conserve coastal wetlands as part of the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program. The 10 states are Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

The grants, worth $17 million, will be matched by $42 million put up by partners, including state natural resources agencies, Native American tribes and trusts, county and local governments, private landowners, and conservation groups.
"These grants leverage the power of partnership to conserve coastal wetlands that are vital to our nation's wildlife," Norton said.

WHO:    Interior Secretary Gale Norton

WHAT: Announcement of the awarding of National Coastal Wetland Grants in 10 states.

WHEN: 2 p.m., EST, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003

Call-in Number: News media only. Call 800-419-0128. Identify your publication or station.