WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Omnibus Appropriations Act that passed the House on Thursday included science, education and transportation projects for the Central Coast.

"These funds are very important to our region, helping solidify our place as a world class ocean research hub and boosting our tourism revenue base," said Rep. Farr. "I'm excited that these important programs received funding in yesterday's bill."

Among the local projects in the bill:

Marine Meteorology Center: $10.24 million. Funds will be use to build a two-story facility for Naval research offices and computer rooms for classified processing and support spaces.
West Coast Governors' Agreement on Ocean Health: $500,000. Funds will support implementation of on-the-ground actions from the West Coast Governors' Agreement on Ocean Health Action Plan.
California B-WET Program: $2.5 million. The California Bay Watershed Education and Training is the first federally supported environmental education grant program to focus on specific geographic areas.
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail: $800,000. These funds will continue to develop a 52-mile-long multi-use pathway linking existing and newly established trail segments into a continuous coastal trail around the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with the goal of economic development and increased tourism revenue.
"It's interesting how these four separate programs all point to how important the ocean is for our region," Rep. Farr said. "The governors' agreement moves us ahead on regional ocean management practices, the B-WET program ensures that our children are exposed to the ocean at an early age, the Meteorology Center further firms up our research base and the sanctuary trail showcases our home to the world. The interconnectedness is proof of the central role the ocean plays in our lives."

The fiscal year 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act combines six appropriations bills, including Transportation; Commerce, Justice, Science; Financial Services; Labor-Health-Education; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs; and State and Foreign Operations.

The Senate began debate of the bill on Thursday and is expected to vote on the bill soon. It will then go to the president for his signature.