AUGUSTA — The Maine Coastal Program has awarded $291,000 in grants for eight projects along the coast aimed at improving public access to the shore, enhancing water quality and re-opening clam flats that have been closed.

The grants are being awarded for a variety of projects stretching from Kittery to Bar Harbor.

Portland received $39,200 to develop ane ducation campaign on stormwater management. Topsham received $40,000 for a waterfront park.

The other projects range from a pedestrian and bike path study in Belfast to a project aimed at opening closed clam flats in the state’s midcoast area.

The grants are made possible through Maine’s federal coastal management award from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.