Rhode Island's Coastal Resources Management Council has been awarded $1.35 million to support jobs and improve coastal water quality.

The federal funding is provided through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Coastal Zone Management Program. The program is a federal-state partnership that protects, restores and develops the nation's coastal communities and resources.

The federal funds will be matched by $1,263,880 in state funds.

Sen. Jack Reed says the funds will bolster the state's efforts to improve coastal water quality and address issues like flooding, storm surges and shoreline erosion.

Reed is a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, which oversees NOAA funding. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, also supported obtaining the federal funding.