More than $2.5 million in federal funds has been awarded to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for its Coastal Management Program, U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg and Robert Menendez announced Wednesday.

The money comes from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and will be used to provide support for the review of proposed development and enforcement on coastal lands. The funds will be used to support the Coastal and Ocean Protection Council, which was established this year to prevent the depletion of New Jersey's marine resources.

It will also be used to improve habitat management in the Delaware River estuary; map potential storm damage and rising sea levels; and expand and evaluate the state's Clean Marina Program, which helps prevent harmful environmental practices through education and outreach to marina owners and boaters.

The Coastal Management Program oversees New Jersey's coastal area, which includes portions of eight counties and 126 municipalities. The program was established to ensure that coastal resources are preserved to enhance the environment and economy of coastal communities.