The Coastal  Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) and the subsequent  Coastal Barrier Improvement Act restrict Federal expenditures and financial  assistance that encourage development of coastal barriers so that damage to  property, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources associated with the  coastal barrier is minimized. The protected areas are identified on National  Flood Insurance Rate Maps as Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) units.  They include defined areas along the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Great  Lakes coasts, and Puerto Rico, Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and secondary  barriers within large embayments.
   Debris removal and emergency protective measures  in designated CBRS units may be eligible for public assistance provided the  actions eliminate the immediate threat to lives, public health and safety and  protect improved property. Advanced consultation with the U.S. Fish and  Wildlife Service (USFWS) is strongly encouraged but is not required before  approval of emergency measures. A report to USFWS of emergency work on CBRS  units is required.
   However, FEMA must consult with the USFWS to  allow the USFWS the opportunity to provide written comments before permanent  work funding is approved. The following types of publicly owned facilities  may be eligible for permanent work funding:
   Â†  Essential links  in a larger system
   Â†  Restoration of  existing channel improvements
   Â†  Repair of energy  facilities that are functionally dependent on a coastal location
   Â†  Special purpose  facilities as defined in 44 CFR §206.347(c)(4)
   Â†  Other existing  roads, structures, or facilities that are consistent with the purposes of  CBRA
   Certain Private Nonprofit facilities that meet  the restrictions of CBRA and the Public Assistance Program may be eligible  for assistance. Examples include energy facilities and special purpose  facilities, as described in 44 CFR §206.347.
   Improved projects that expand a facility and  alternate projects are rarely eligible in CBRS units.
   An existing facility is defined as a publicly  owned or operated facility on which the start of construction took place on  or before October 18, 1982. If a facility has been substantially improved or  expanded since October 18, 1982, it is not an existing facility. If a unit  was added to CBRS at a later date, that date may be substituted for the  October 18, 1982, date.
   References:   Section 406(e) of the Stafford Act 44 CFR Part 206, Subpart J
   Public Assistance Guide, FEMA 322, pages 133-134