Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) presented the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s (VIMS) Center of Excellence in Environmental Forecasting (CoEEF) with $1.6 million to invest in high-performance technology. The funds, submitted through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the H.R. 6938 – Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, were signed into law on January 23rd.

“VIMS is an environmental forecasting leader, and I am thrilled to deliver my $1.6 million funding request for their CoEEF program,” said Rep. Wittman. “This funding will contribute to the development of coastal and estuarine environmental forecasting and expand the impact of VIMS’ research across the United States and the world. ”

The CPF will be used to purchase a high-performance computing cluster and develop IT programming to disseminate forecasting and modeling tools for use by policy makers, community leaders, and the public. This will expand the reach of outcome-driven scientific solutions produced by VIMS. Ultimately, this investment will create cost savings by developing strategies for environmental resilience, supporting effective emergency response and mitigation planning, and providing data and expertise to millions of Americans living and working in coastal areas.

Community Project Funding (CPF) allows Members of Congress to bring tax dollars back home for district-specific priorities. Members have firsthand knowledge of their district’s needs and can prioritize federal funding for the most critical local projects—rather than leaving those decisions to unelected bureaucrats in Washington who lack a direct connection to the community. For Congressman Wittman, these projects address clear and present needs in communities across Virginia and enjoy broad support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits, reinforcing Congress’s control over the power of the purse. Rather than allowing that money to fund projects in different states, Community Project Funding gives Congressman Wittman the ability to empower Virginians by ensuring they have a critical voice in determining where funding goes.