CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

It’s Infrastructure Week (finally)!

The Senate just cleared the major procedural vote to move forward on a bipartisan infrastructure package. The full text is not yet released (and may not even be written yet), but based on a robust outline, here are some great highlights for oceans, ports, coastal resilience, and science:

Research and Science

  • $6 billion for Army Corps of Engineers construction projects, including coastal storm risk management/hurricane and storm damage reduction projects.
  • $492 million for NOAA National Coastal Resiliency Fund, a partnership with National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).
  • $491 million for NOAA Community-Based Restoration Project, which helps buffer shorelines from erosion, reducing flooding, and removing hazardous structures.
  • $492 million for NOAA mapping, observations, and modeling.
  • $25m for NOAA National Mesonet Program for acquisition and use of data generated by the Upper Missouri River Basin.
  • $200 million for the NOAA Marine Debris Program.
  • $275 million for Save Our Seas 2.0 Post-consumer Materials Management Grants ($55 million/year).

Resiliency – Ecosystems

  • $500 million Army Corps Ecosystem Restoration
  • $1 million for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
  • $207 million for Coastal Zone Management Program
  • $77 million for National Estuarine Research Reserve System
  • $172 million for Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund
  • $56 million for Regional Ocean Partnerships
  • $150 million for Oceans and Coastal Observations

Maritime Shipping and Infrastructure

  • $7.5 billion for Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants.
  • $455 million per year over 5 years for DOT’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PDIP) and Marine Highways Program (MHP) to improve infrastructure, reduce or eliminate pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

CONTACT US FOR A
FREE CONSULTATION

NEVER MISS A BEAT

Sign up for our newsletter

Get the inside scoop on all things U.S. ocean policy, including conversations in Congress, what’s up in the White House, and ocean updates from coast to coast.

712 H ST NE Suite 2343 Washington, DC
20002

Brandon Elsner

Brandon Elsner is a government affairs professional with extensive experience shaping federal policy in oceans, science, environment, and infrastructure. He most recently directed federal strategic services at Waggoner Engineering, helping communities secure significant federal funding for water, transportation, and economic development projects. Brandon previously held senior advisory roles at NOAA and the White House Council on Environmental Quality and was a Legislative Assistant for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).

FAVORITES

Thai Boba Tea

Orca

Greater DC area

Marianne Brisson

Marianne helps mission-driven organizations scale their impact through streamlined operations, project leadership, and strategic communications. She leads ESP’s day-to-day operations and ensures firm-wide success. Marianne previously served as Policy and Operations Advisor to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

FAVORITES

Hot latte with oatmilk

Nudibranch

Based in Oregon

Monaliza Manalinding

Monaliza has over three years of experience supporting small businesses professionals and managing fast-paced administrative operations. She brings strong skills in client relations, scheduling, and marketing support, ensuring efficient workflows and exceptional service across all facets of the firm.

FAVORITES

Ginger Tea

Sea turtles

Davao City, Philippines

Sarah Keartes

Sarah brings a decade of media relations and science communication expertise to her role at ESP Advisors. Before joining ESP, she reported on marine and coastal science for outlets including National Geographic News, PBS Digital Studios, and Hakai Magazine.

FAVORITES

Iced tea

Scalloped hammerhead

Based in Oregon

Cat Elia

With over a decade of experience bringing clients’ visions to reality, Cat specializes in marketing and brand development. As both a designer and artist, she excels in visual storytelling and graphic strategy.

FAVORITES

Iced coffee with milk

Frog fish

Based on the West Coast

Caroline Roche

Caroline brings sharp policy instincts and a passion for coastal resilience to ESP Advisors. At the White House Council on Environmental Quality, she supported both the freshwater and ocean policy teams. Most recently, she worked on communications and government affairs for Restore America’s Estuaries, deepening her expertise in habitat protection and federal engagement. Caroline holds a dual degree in Political Science and Fine Art from George Washington University.

FAVORITES

Unsweetened Iced Green Tea

Beluga Whale

Based in Washington, DC

Austen Stovall

Austen Stovall’s background is in coral reef ecology, nature-based solutions, and coastal management. She most recently worked for Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) on his oceans and fisheries portfolio. Austen holds a master’s degree in coastal science and policy from UC Santa Cruz.

FAVORITES

Iced oat milk latte with coconut syrup

Corals

Based in DC

Kat Montgomery

Kat draws upon her ocean policy expertise and years of experience managing projects, programs, and teams to catalyze success for ESP Advisors and our clients. Most recently, Kat served as staff for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), former Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

FAVORITES

Cappuccino with sugar

Seahorse

Based in Virginia

Emily Patrolia

Emily Patrolia founded ESP Advisors to address the need for sophisticated government and public affairs services in the community she holds dear. Emily uses her advocacy and congressional experience and deep understanding of environmental science to lead the firm in all its endeavors.

FAVORITES

Cappuccino

Yeti crab

Based in DC

tttttttt

We are a small but mighty team working to build a culture that leans into vulnerability, clarity, integrity, and transparency. Open communication, collaboration, and relationship building are of the utmost importance to our team. While our work is hard-charging and relies on exceptional attention to detail and deadline management, we remain dedicated to the wellbeing of our staff. Our goal is to ensure our team members are fulfilled both personally and professionally.

PAMELA DAY TAPSCOTT

Pamela Day has over 25 years of experience on Capitol Hill. As Chief of Staff for the late Congressman Don Young (R-AK), father of many initiatives and laws that govern ocean resources today, Pamela managed the annual appropriations process and oversaw 16 original bills that were signed into law.

FAVORITES

Coffee

Otter

Maryland