Feds award a $685,000 grant for visitor center improvements at Elkhorn Slough.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, announced a $685,000 federal grant Aug. 21 for the enhancement of the visitor center at Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve.

The grant, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, will support the second phase of the visitor center's enhancement project, and will primarily be used for a redesign of the reserve's parking lot and walkway to increase accessibility, traffic flow and create a school bus drop drop-off area.

It will also be used to create natural water catchment in landscaped "bio-swales."

"The Elkhorn Slough is a hub for education and conservation," Panetta said in a statement. "By investing in the accessibility and safety of the Reserve, NOAA encourages students, tourists, and researchers to visit the Central Coast and learn about our outstanding biodiversity."

Dave Feliz, Elkhorn Slough reserve manager, said in a statement that the financial boost will enable the reserve to add to improvements already in the works. "We are excited to receive this extra financial support from NOAA," he said. "This grant dovetails with other federal and state funded projects to improve our visitor services access and facilities."