The California Natural Resources Agency awarded $203,862 to the Carpinteria State Beach Dune Restoration Project on March 28.

The funds will be used to remove invasive plant species and replace them with native vegetation. The project also includes improving public beach access by building a boardwalk with interactive educational elements.

The project is one of 21 Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation projects receiving $8.2 million in state funding. Created in 1989, the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation program gives grants to state, local, federal and nonprofit organizations that build or promote environmentally friendly projects.

“Investment in these projects will help California preserve and protect natural resources while mitigating the negative impacts of vital transportation infrastructure,” said John Laird, California Natural Resources secretary, in a news release. “The projects funded represent an impressive level of hard work and commitment by many people.”

• Contact Philip Joens at pjoens@pacbiztimes.com.