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The city governments in two Oregon coastal towns, Bandon and Astoria, have been recognized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the work each has done to redevelop their waterfronts.

Representatives from the two Oregon towns met in Washington, D.C., last month to receive the Walter B. Jones Award of Excellence for local governments. The annual award is handed out to towns that effectively and sustainably use coastal resources to help spur development.

The city of Astoria received the award for its work on the Riverfront Visioning Plan, a long-term plan meant to guide development along the river while helping maintain the natural environment and water dependent businesses.

Brett Estes, community development director for the city of Astoria, said the Riverfront Visioning Plan has been a success because the initial steering committee had such a diverse and wide range of opinions. It allowed the city to get insight from environmentalists, businesses and community members, he said.

Bandon received the award for work on its waterfront. In addition to building a 25,000-square-foot boardwalk, the city built a picnic shelter, amphitheater and boat dock on its coastal public property during the past ten years.

Estes believes the award could help when applying for grants associated with the Riverfront Visioning Plan.

“We didn’t do it for the recognition, but it definitely helps to have a nationally recognized riverfront plan,” he said.

The town of Hall, Mass., also won the award.