---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 1455"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "1455"
heading: "Administrative grants"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/1455"
units:
  - "Chapter 33 — Coastal Zone Management"
---

# §1455. Administrative grants

- (a) **Authorization; matching funds—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) may make grants to any [coastal state](/usc/16/1453.md?p=4) for the purpose of administering that [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a)’s [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12), if the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) matches any such grant according to the following ratios of Federal-to-[State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) contributions for the applicable fiscal year:
  - (1) For those [States](/usc/16/544.md?p=r) for which programs were approved prior to November 5, 1990, 1 to 1 for any fiscal year.
  - (2) For programs approved after November 5, 1990, 4 to 1 for the first fiscal year, 2.3 to 1 for the second fiscal year, 1.5 to 1 for the third fiscal year, and 1 to 1 for each fiscal year thereafter.
- (b) **Grants to coastal states; requirements—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) may make a grant to a [coastal state](/usc/16/1453.md?p=4) under [subsection (a)](#a) only if the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) finds that the [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) of the [coastal state](/usc/16/1453.md?p=4) meets all applicable requirements of this chapter and has been approved in accordance with [subsection (d)](#d).
- (c) **Allocation of grants to coastal states—** Grants under this section shall be allocated to [coastal states](/usc/16/1453.md?p=4) with approved programs based on rules and regulations promulgated by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) which shall [take](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) into account the extent and nature of the shoreline and [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) covered by the program, population of the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), and other relevant factors. The [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) shall establish, after consulting with the [coastal states](/usc/16/1453.md?p=4), maximum and minimum grants for any fiscal year to promote equity between [coastal states](/usc/16/1453.md?p=4) and effective coastal management.
- (d) **Mandatory adoption of State management program for coastal zone—** Before approving a [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) submitted by a [coastal state](/usc/16/1453.md?p=4), the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) shall find the following:
  - (1) The [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) has developed and adopted a [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) for its [coastal zone](/usc/16/1453.md?p=1) in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16), after notice, and with the opportunity of full participation by relevant Federal agencies, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) agencies, [local governments](/usc/16/1453.md?p=11), regional organizations, port authorities, and other interested parties and individuals, public and private, which is adequate to carry out the purposes of this chapter and is consistent with the policy declared in [section 1452 of this title](/usc/16/1452.md).
  - (2) The [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) includes each of the following required program elements:
    - (A) An identification of the boundaries of the [coastal zone](/usc/16/1453.md?p=1) subject to the [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12).
    - (B) A definition of what shall constitute permissible [land uses](/usc/16/1453.md?p=10) and [water uses](/usc/16/1453.md?p=18) within the [coastal zone](/usc/16/1453.md?p=1) which have a direct and significant impact on the [coastal waters](/usc/16/1453.md?p=3).
    - (C) An inventory and designation of [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) of particular concern within the [coastal zone](/usc/16/1453.md?p=1).
    - (D) An identification of the means by which the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) proposes to exert control over the [land uses](/usc/16/1453.md?p=10) and [water uses](/usc/16/1453.md?p=18) referred to in [subparagraph (B)](#d-2-B), including a list of relevant [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) constitutional provisions, laws, regulations, and judicial decisions.
    - (E) Broad guidelines on priorities of uses in particular [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), including specifically those uses of lowest priority.
    - (F) A description of the organizational structure proposed to implement such [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12), including the responsibilities and interrelationships of local, areawide, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), regional, and interstate agencies in the management process.
    - (G) A definition of the term “beach” and a planning process for the protection of, and access to, public beaches and other public coastal [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) of environmental, recreational, historical, esthetic, ecological, or cultural value.
    - (H) A planning process for [energy facilities](/usc/16/1453.md?p=6) likely to be located in, or which may significantly affect, the [coastal zone](/usc/16/1453.md?p=1), including a process for anticipating the management of the impacts resulting from such facilities.
    - (I) A planning process for assessing the effects of, and studying and evaluating ways to control, or lessen the impact of, shoreline erosion, and to restore [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) adversely affected by such erosion.
  - (3) The [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) has—
    - (A) coordinated its program with local, areawide, and interstate plans applicable to [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) within the [coastal zone](/usc/16/1453.md?p=1)—
      - (i) existing on January 1 of the year in which the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a)’s [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) is submitted to the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16); and
      - (ii) which have been developed by a [local government](/usc/16/1453.md?p=11), an areawide agency, a regional agency, or an interstate agency; and
    - (B) established an effective mechanism for continuing consultation and coordination between the management agency designated pursuant to [paragraph (6)](#d-6) and with [local governments](/usc/16/1453.md?p=11), interstate agencies, regional agencies, and areawide agencies within the [coastal zone](/usc/16/1453.md?p=1) to assure the full participation of those [local governments](/usc/16/1453.md?p=11) and agencies in carrying out the purposes of this chapter; except that the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) shall not find any mechanism to be effective for purposes of this subparagraph unless it requires that—
      - (i) the management agency, before implementing any [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) decision which would conflict with any local zoning ordinance, decision, or other action, shall send a notice of the [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) decision to any [local government](/usc/16/1453.md?p=11) whose zoning authority is affected;
      - (ii) within the 30-day period commencing on the date of receipt of that notice, the [local government](/usc/16/1453.md?p=11) may submit to the management agency written comments on the [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) decision, and any recommendation for alternatives; and
      - (iii) the management agency, if any comments are submitted to it within the 30-day period by any [local government](/usc/16/1453.md?p=11)—
        - (I) shall consider the comments;
        - (II) may, in its discretion, hold a public hearing on the comments; and
        - (III) may not [take](/usc/16/3102.md?p=18) any action within the 30-day period to implement the [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) decision.
  - (4) The [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) has held public hearings in the development of the [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12).
  - (5) The [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) and any changes thereto have been reviewed and approved by the Governor of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a).
  - (6) The Governor of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) has designated a single [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) agency to receive and administer grants for implementing the [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12).
  - (7) The [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) is organized to implement the [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12).
  - (8) The [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) provides for adequate consideration of the national interest involved in planning for, and managing the [coastal zone](/usc/16/1453.md?p=1), including the siting of facilities such as [energy facilities](/usc/16/1453.md?p=6) which are of greater than local significance. In the case of [energy facilities](/usc/16/1453.md?p=6), the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) shall find that the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) has given consideration to any applicable national or interstate energy plan or program.
  - (9) The [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) includes procedures whereby specific [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) may be designated for the purpose of preserving or restoring them for their conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, or esthetic values.
  - (10) The [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), acting through its chosen agency or agencies (including [local governments](/usc/16/1453.md?p=11), areawide agencies, regional agencies, or interstate agencies) has authority for the management of the [coastal zone](/usc/16/1453.md?p=1) in accordance with the [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12). Such authority shall include power—
    - (A) to administer [land use](/usc/16/1453.md?p=10) and [water use](/usc/16/1453.md?p=18) regulations to control development[^1] to ensure compliance with the [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12), and to resolve conflicts among competing uses; and
    - (B) to [acquire](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) fee simple and less than fee simple interests in land, waters, and other property through condemnation or other means when necessary to achieve conformance with the [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12).
  - (11) The [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) provides for any one or a combination of the following general techniques for control of [land uses](/usc/16/1453.md?p=10) and [water uses](/usc/16/1453.md?p=18) within the [coastal zone](/usc/16/1453.md?p=1):
    - (A) [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) establishment of criteria and standards for local implementation, subject to administrative review and enforcement.
    - (B) Direct [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) land and [water use](/usc/16/1453.md?p=18) planning and regulation.
    - (C) [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) administrative review for consistency with the [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) of all development plans, [projects](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-4), or land and [water use](/usc/16/1453.md?p=18) regulations, including exceptions and variances thereto, proposed by any [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) or local authority or private developer, with power to approve or disapprove after public notice and an opportunity for hearings.
  - (12) The [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) contains a method of assuring that local [land use](/usc/16/1453.md?p=10) and [water use](/usc/16/1453.md?p=18) regulations within the [coastal zone](/usc/16/1453.md?p=1) do not unreasonably restrict or exclude [land uses](/usc/16/1453.md?p=10) and [water uses](/usc/16/1453.md?p=18) of regional benefit.
  - (13) The [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) provides for—
    - (A) the inventory and designation of [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) that contain one or more coastal resources of national significance; and
    - (B) specific and enforceable standards to protect such resources.
  - (14) The [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) provides for public participation in permitting processes, consistency determinations, and other similar decisions.
  - (15) The [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) provides a mechanism to ensure that all [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) agencies will adhere to the program.
  - (16) The [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) contains [enforceable policies](/usc/16/1453.md?p=6a) and mechanisms to implement the applicable requirements of the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) required by [section 1455b of this title](/usc/16/1455b.md).
- (e) **Amendment or modification of State management program for coastal zone—** A [coastal state](/usc/16/1453.md?p=4) may amend or modify a [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) which it has submitted and which has been approved by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) under this section, subject to the following conditions:
  - (1) The [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) shall promptly notify the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) of any proposed amendment, modification, or other program change and submit it for the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16)’s approval. The [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) may suspend all or part of any grant made under this section pending [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) submission of the proposed amendments, modification, or other program change.
  - (2) Within 30 days after the date the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) receives any proposed amendment, the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) shall notify the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) whether the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) approves or disapproves the amendment, or whether the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) finds it is necessary to extend the review of the proposed amendment for a period not to exceed 120 days after the date the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) received the proposed amendment. The [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) may extend this period only as necessary to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ([42 U.S.C. 4321](/usc/42/4321.md) et seq.). If the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) does not notify the [coastal state](/usc/16/1453.md?p=4) that the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) approves or disapproves the amendment within that period, then the amendment shall be conclusively presumed as approved.
  - (3)
    - (A) Except as provided in [subparagraph (B)](#e-3-B), a [coastal state](/usc/16/1453.md?p=4) may not implement any amendment, modification, or other change as part of its approved [management program](/usc/16/1453.md?p=12) unless the amendment, modification, or other change is approved by the [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16) under this subsection.
    - (B) The [Secretary](/usc/16/1453.md?p=16), after determining on a preliminary basis, that an amendment, modification, or other change which has been submitted for approval under this subsection is likely to meet the program approval standards in this section, may permit the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) to expend [funds](/usc/16/1453.md?p=9) awarded under this section to begin implementing the proposed amendment, modification, or change. This preliminary approval shall not extend for more than 6 months and may not be renewed. A proposed amendment, modification, or change which has been given preliminary approval and is not finally approved under this paragraph shall not be considered an [enforceable policy](/usc/16/1453.md?p=6a) for purposes of [section 1456 of this title](/usc/16/1456.md).

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 89–454, title III, § 306, as added Pub. L. 92–583, Oct. 27, 1972, 86 Stat. 1283; amended Pub. L. 93–612, § 1(2), Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1974; Pub. L. 94–370, § 5, July 26, 1976, 90 Stat. 1017; Pub. L. 96–464, § 5(a), Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2062; Pub. L. 99–272, title VI, § 6043(b)(1), (c), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 124, 125; Pub. L. 101–508, title VI, § 6206(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–303; Pub. L. 102–587, title II, § 2205(b)(1)(A), (B), (8), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 5050, 5051.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsec. (e)(2), is Pub. L. 91–190, Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, which is classified generally to chapter 55 (§ 4321 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4321 of Title 42 and Tables.

### Amendments

1992—Subsecs. (a) to (d), (e)(2), (3)(A). Pub. L. 102–587 substituted “coastal state” and “coastal states” for “coastal State” and “coastal States”, respectively, wherever appearing, and substituted period for semicolon at end of subsec. (b).

1990—Pub. L. 101–508 amended section generally, substituting present provisions for provisions which authorized grants for administering a state management program, provided for a ratio of Federal to State contributions, allocation of grants, program requirements, required authority for management of coastal zone, required findings prior to approval of grants, allocation to other political subdivisions, program modification, segmental development, and inventory and designation of areas of national significance and standards for protection of coastal resources.

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–272, § 6043(b)(1), amended introductory text generally, which prior to amendment read as follows: “The Secretary may make grants to any coastal state for not more than 80 per centum of the costs of administering such state’s management program if the Secretary—”.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–272, § 6043(c), inserted “, and subject to the following conditions:” in provisions preceding par. (1), added pars. (1) to (3), and struck out provision that except with respect to any management program amendment which was made before Oct. 1, 1978, for the purpose of complying with the requirements of section 1454(b)(7), (8) and (9) of this title, no grant was to be made under this section to any coastal state after the date of such amendment or modification, until the Secretary approved such amendment or modification.

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–464, § 5(a)(1), in opening text, substituted “The Secretary may make grants” for “The Secretary may make a grant annually”, added par. (3), and provision following par. (3) which defined the costs of administering a management program.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–464, § 5(2), struck out proviso that no annual grant made under this section shall be in excess of $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, in excess of $2,500,000 for fiscal year 1976, and in excess of $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1977.

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 96–464, § 5(a)(3), added subsec. (i).

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–370, § 5(1), raised the federal share of grants to 80 per centum from 66⅔ per centum of the cost of administering a state’s management program, substituted requirement that Secretary approve state’s management program in accordance with subsecs. (c), (d), and (e) and find that such programs meet requirements under section 1454(b) of this title for requirement that Secretary approve state’s management programs in accordance with subsec. (c), and struck out proviso that Federal funds from other sources shall not be used to pay the state’s share of costs.

Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 94–370, § 5(2), inserted provisions that mechanism not be found to be effective by Secretary until management agency meets certain requirement such as notice to affected zoning authority, 30-day period for zoning authority to respond with recommendations, and action to be taken by management agency where zoning authority does submit recommendations.

Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 94–370, § 5(3), inserted “planning for, and” before “in the siting of” and reference to energy facilities in, or which significantly affect, such state’s coastal zone and inserted proviso that in the case of energy facilities, the Secretary shall find that the state has given consideration to any applicable interstate energy plan or program.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 94–370, § 5(4), inserted requirement that except for pre-Oct. 1, 1978 amendments of management programs, for purposes of complying with section 1454(b)(7), (8), and (9) of this title, no grant shall be made under this section to any coastal state after the date of an amendment until approved by Secretary.

1975—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–612 substituted provisos establishing maximum amount of annual grant for fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977, establishing a minimum of 1 per centum of the total appropriated amount, and providing for waiver of the 1 per centum minimum upon request of the coastal State, for proviso limiting an annual administrative grant to a maximum of 10 per centum and a minimum of 1 per centum of the total appropriated amount.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Pub. L. 96–464, § 5(b), Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2062, provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a)(1) and (2) of this section [amending this section] apply with respect to grants made after September 30, 1980, under section 306 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 [this section] and, within two hundred and seventy days after such date, the Secretary of Commerce shall issue regulations relating to the administration of subsection (a) of such section 306 (as so amended by such subsection (a)(1).”

### Additional Program Requirements

Pub. L. 101–508, title VI, § 6206(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–306, provided that: “Each State which submits a management program for approval under section 306 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 [16 U.S.C. 1455], as amended by this subtitle (including a State which submitted a program before the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990]), shall demonstrate to the Secretary— that the program complies with section 306(d)(14) and (15) of that Act, by not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act; and that the program complies with section 306(d)(16) of that Act, by not later than 30 months after the date of publication of final guidance under section 6217(g) of this Act [16 U.S.C. 1455b(g)].”