NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

Draft Environmental Assessment for Taylor Science Building
June 24, 2025

artistic rendering of soon to be built Taylor Farm Building at CSUMB
Artist rendering of future NOAA/MBNMS office in Taylor Science Builing at CSUMB

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announces the availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Edward ‘Ted’ Taylor Science and Engineering Building (Taylor Science Building). The Draft EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts of NOAA’s Proposed Action to join California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) in its development of the Taylor Science Building. NOAA is requesting review and comment on the Draft EA by agencies, tribes, and the public through July 25, 2025.

Proposed Action Description: The Proposed Action involves development of a new approximately 16,000–gross–square–foot science and engineering academic building on an existing parking lot on the CSUMB campus. NOAA proposes to provide partial funding for the construction and maintenance of the Taylor Science Building and to relocate its office from Monterey to a portion of the new building. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to to fulfill the purposes and policies of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to enhance public awareness and support scientific research (16 U.S.C. § 1431[b][4-5]) for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, and to conduct facility improvements including a new facility for NOAA in the Monterey, CA region.

What and When:
Public review and comment on the Draft EA for the Taylor Science Building by July 25, 2025.

Where to access the Draft EA:

How to comment: Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on July 25, 2025. You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

  • Email: mbnms.comments@noaa.gov. Include “Taylor Science Building” in the subject line of the message.
  • Mail: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, 99 Pacific Street, 455A, Monterey, CA 93940, Attn: Lisa Wooninck.

Contact Information: For further information, contact: Lisa Wooninck, Superintendent, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, (831) 647-4258, lisa.wooninck@noaa.gov.