Friend,I wanted to make sure you saw that the Middle Peninsula has been selected as the next National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Habitat Focus Area where NOAA will focus its programs and investments in the Middle Peninsula to address high priority habitat issues facing the region. The Middle Peninsula of Virginia is a key habitat area for many fish and other wildlife but is experiencing significant environmental challenges that have stressed shorelines and marshes that affect not only wildlife, but also residents in these coastal communities who face increased flooding risks. I am thrilled that NOAA will be establishing a Habitat Focus Area in the Middle Peninsula to restore and conserve fish habitats, assess the economic effects of restored and existing habitats, enhance coastal resilience, improve water quality, and improve climate resilience. This work includes wetlands and oyster restoration projects, fish habitat assessments, and researching how oyster reefs, aquatic vegetation, marshes, and living shorelines contribute to our economy. We absolutely must do what we can to improve our environment, and the nationwide work by NOAA and their Habitat Focus Area programs are inspiring and critical to getting some of our most environmentally important regions back on track. I look forward to the future work in the Middle Peninsula in restoring coastal habitats and improving the environment so that it may be enjoyed today and by future generations. Sincerely,Rob