Dr. Nancy Foster Florida Keys Environmental Center

SRI's Envirotechnical Program conducted scoping, research, and analysis leading to an environmental assessment for the National Marine Sanctuaries Program’s proposed Dr. Nancy Foster Florida Keys Environmental Center to serve the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The project consolidated various National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) functions at one new waterfront location formerly owned and operated by the U.S. Navy in Key West, Florida.

The proposal included combining NOAA management and program offices, research facilities, education and conferencing facilities, as well as a new homeport for several NOAA vessels. During preparation of the environmental assessment, SRI forged strategic relationships with the U.S. Navy and City of Key West for realty, infrastructure, and regional planning matters, resulting in a NOAA-approved Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and timely acquisition of permit approvals. The proposed dock facilities were installed in 2004.