Research projects in New England and the Mid-Atlantic are expected to receive nearly $5.6 million in federal funding, according to an announcement made today by NOAA Fisheries. Under the Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program, which is administered by NOAA Fisheries, funding will be made available to provide financial assistance for research and development projects that benefit the U.S. fishing industry. Of these funds, $2.3 million would support projects to benefit the groundfish industry. Funding will be made available to projects following review by NOAA’s Office of Acquisition and Grants, which is expected to be completed shortly. “Today’s announcement is great news for fishing communities in the Greater Atlantic Region…