Contact: Andy Davis (202) 224-6654

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Fritz Hollings announced today that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released $2,583,300 in funding to the University of South Carolina Research Foundation's Belle W. Baruch Institute. Sen. Hollings secured the funding in the appropriations bill funding the Commerce, Justice and State Departments in fiscal year 2002.

The funding will be used to provide for a research initiative called the Carolina Coastal Ocean Observing and Prediction System (Caro-COOPS). A partnership between the University of South Carolina's Belle W. Baruch Institute, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, the Caro-COOPS uses state-of-the-art computer models to characterize and predict complex land-air-sea processes. To that end, the system monitors and models estuarine and coastal ocean conditions in the Carolinas to establish real-time prediction capabilities and forecasts to coastal managers regarding major storms, water quality, pollutants, sediment transport, shoreline stability and the state of fisheries.

"Anyone who has enjoyed living or vacationing on our coasts knows the importance of accurate weather predictions," said Senator Hollings, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Commerce, Justice and State Departments. "By utilizing its state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, the Carolina Coastal Ocean Observing and Prediction System performs impressive research that will, in the near term, produce an advanced storm surge model to accurately forecast storms and, in the long-term, improve NOAA's forecasts of natural hazards and information on ocean and estuarine water conditions. All in all, this system will work wonders in helping us to monitor the health of the coastal areas in North and South Carolina so that they may continue to be enjoyed."

Established in 1969 through the joint efforts of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation and the University of South Carolina, The Belle W. Baruch Institute serves as the principal academic coastal research center of South Carolina. The institute conducts research to better understand our tidal, freshwater, estuarine and coastal oceans environments.

NOAA is charged with managing, studying, and protecting the marine environment in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. Widely regarded as the "Father of NOAA," Senator Hollings played a major role in the 1970 establishment of the agency. More than 30 years later, NOAA still works to provide timely and precise weather as well as water and climate forecasts, to monitor the environment, to manage fisheries and build healthy coastlines, and to ensure safe navigation of waterways.