Sorensen Announces Available Funding for Local Researchers to Help Combat Extreme Weather

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is announcing federal funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) available to researchers in Illinois to track weather data and help keep people safe ahead of storms.

“I’m excited to announce federal funding available to bring Illinois universities and non-profits into the effort to combat extreme weather and keep people safe,” said Sorensen. “As the only meteorologist in Congress, I know how important data is to giving people the right information needed to stay prepared ahead of severe weather, especially as severe weather events increase in frequency.”

NOAA is actively seeking to award up to $7 million over three years beginning in FY2024 to eligible universities and non-profits to establish a multi-university Data Assimilation Consortium that will improve weather predictions.

You can learn more about the grant opportunity here. You can view the official funding opportunity announcement here. Find a list of frequently asked questions about the competition here.

If you would like to request a letter of support, please contact Congressman Sorensen’s Rock Island office at (309) 786-3406. Applications must be submitted by October 13, 2023.