A $360 million grant to the University of Alabama, the largest in the university’s history, will make UA a leader in water research that leads to predicting water-related hazards and managing water resources.
The award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will be administered by the Alabama Water Institute.
The grant establishes the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology, headquartered at the AWI. It’s a consortium of 28 academic institutions, government partners and industry partners.
“I am thrilled that The University of Alabama has received this competitive award to facilitate a cutting-edge Cooperative Institute focused on hydrology,” said U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby. “UA has the unique environment and expertise to lead the nation in high-level water research between 28 partners. Thanks to the Alabama Water Institute’s leadership in assembling a world-class team, the growing scientific expertise and collaborations in Alabama will continue to benefit the nation. Additionally, NOAA’s efforts to create this innovative institute will, in turn, protect communities and promote wise investments across the nation through better water models, forecasts and predictions. This award is excellent news for Alabama and its findings will influence decisions made across the continent for years to come.”
