Flooding

This interactive map published by the CTDOT in March 2025 allows users to view data layers that make up the state-owned and maintained drainage network across Connecticut. Culvert locations are included, as well as their water source, material components, type of conveyance, diameter, length, last inspection date, and maintenance information. Note that an ArcGIS login is required to access this resource.

This fact sheet produced by the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) reviews how culverts are defined in Connecticut, explains their connection to climate resilience, provides examples of how Connecticut towns are addressing needs for upgraded culverts, and highlights related resources.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant program (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage Program) to provide funding for projects that would meaningfully improve or restore passage for anadromous fish (anadromous fish species are born in freshwater such as streams and rivers, spend most of their lives in the marine environment, and migrate back to freshwater to spawn).

With funding from Long Island Sound Study and support from New York Sea Grant’s Sustainable and Resilient Communities Extension Professionals, Pace University’s Land Use Law Center brought its award-winning Land Use Leadership Alliance Training Program to Westchester municipalities within the Long Island Sound watershed. The training consisted of three full-day workshops held April 1, 8, and 22, 2025 in White Plains, NY to train local leaders on developing balanced strategies for effectively accomplishing policy objectives, particularly focused on land use, flood resilience, and natural resource protection to strengthen community planning and informed decision-making.

22 municipal staff and community leaders, representing 7 different Long Island Sound communities received resilience gap analyses that reviewed their municipality’s current zoning and comprehensive plan language, discussed common issues with their neighbors and built new networks of support, and graduated from the program empowered to plan for a more resilient future for their community and the Long Island Sound region.

If you are interested in learning more and participating in a future LULA training, please email lisresilience@gmail.com.

With support from the Long Island Sound Resilience Grant Writing Assistance Program, in December 2024 the Town of Old Saybrook was awarded $323,400 from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund to support the project: Planning to Restore Chalker and Chapman Beach Marshes and Mitigate Marsh-Associated Flooding (CT).

The project will conduct a feasibility analysis for restoring the degraded Chalker Beach Marsh and mitigate erosion of Cold Spring Brook marsh, examine potential residential neighborhood flood mitigation strategies and evaluate alternative concepts to restore the Cold Spring Brook marsh. Project will provide Chalker Beach marsh restoration plan and design alternatives, concept-level neighborhood-scale flood mitigation strategies and a concept-level Cold Spring Brook marsh erosion control/restoration practices.

LIS Resilience Grant Writing Assistance Program Details:

Grant Writing Consultant: David Kozak
Grant Writing Assistance Award: $6,375

The Long Island Sound Study will host a series of public meetings to discuss and finalize the Stewardship Strategy. The Strategy aims to provide a framework in support of the 33 Stewardship Areas of the Initiative. The draft of the Strategy will be shared for public comment March 10 – May 9. View the Draft Strategy here. Comments can be submitted to Cayla Sullivan at Sullivan.Cayla@epa.gov.

The last meeting in the series will be held on June 4th 11 am – 1 pm and will summarize the input and ideas for advancing the Stewardship Strategy!

This study by the Regional Plan Association assessed how flooding will threaten housing in Long Island, NYC, and Westchester County in the coming decades. It found that by 2040 as many as 1.6 million people could live in areas exposed to flooding and as many as 82,000 housing units could be lost, exacerbating housing shortages. The report includes recommendations for an integrated approach to land use planning and policy initiatives to create resilient communities.

This competitive grant program through the NYS Environmental Facilities Cooperation is designed to support flood-prone communities in implementing transformative green infrastructure projects that combat the effects of extreme weather. Eligible projects must utilize green infrastructure (GI) stormwater management practices (SMPs) and/or nature-based solutions to manage combined and/or sanitary sewer overflows and/or mitigate risks associated with extreme weather events.

Congressionally Directed Spending requests, also known as Community Project Funding or Earmarks, are funding requests for high-impact, Connecticut-based projects that can be completed with assistance from the federal government. The project must meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the accounts listed.

The 2^nd Annual Learning Exchange will bring together current and new grant recipients to highlight completed projects benefiting the Long Island Sound estuary. Organizations will share their work, challenges, and successes via breakout sessions. Attendees will also have opportunities to participate in workshops, network, strengthen ties, and build community. This annual event aims to be a knowledge and tech share of projects within a collaborative framework.

The Target Audience includes:

• 2024 and 2025 Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund Subawardees

• Tribal Groups, Organizations, Institutions, and Municipalities located in Connecticut and New York focused on environmental projects in the Long Island Sound estuary
• Coastal conservation, restoration professionals, students, and early career professionals working in environmentally distressed communities

A product of Climate Central’s Sea Level Program, Coastal Risk Finder allows users to get local flood projections, understand who and what is at risk in their communities, and learn about solutions for coastal states, counties, cities, towns, congressional districts, and state legislative districts in the contiguous U.S., with more to come. Users can download data and graphics to further their local adaptation and communication efforts related to coastal flooding. Coastal Risk Finder includes detailed briefs on adaptation efforts in coastal states and territories, providing insights into policies, projects, and key organizations working to mitigate flood risks. By highlighting actionable solutions, we aim to empower communities with the knowledge and tools needed to address coastal flooding challenges.

The accompanying User Guides highlight the most useful features and provide guidance on using the tool for specific applications. A recording of the Launch Webinar featuring expert insights is also available.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) is a national program focused on reducing risks to coastal communities. The NCRF is now soliciting pre-proposals for projects that will create and/or restore natural systems in order to increase protection for communities from coastal hazards, such as storms, sea- and lake-level changes, inundation, and coastal erosion, while improving habitats for fish and wildlife species.

Municipalities are encouraged to use the Sound Ideas for Clean Water brochure in their outreach efforts. The website and brochure outline steps that residents can take to reduce stormwater runoff that can cause pollution and flooding. For more information about this campaign, contact the outreach coordinator for your area (listed here). 

The Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program is authorized under Section 205 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide capitalization grants to states, eligible federally recognized tribes, territories and the District of Columbia to establish revolving loan funds that provide hazard mitigation assistance for local governments to reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters.

These low interest loans will allow jurisdictions to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters, foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster suffering.

$20 million in funding is available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for projects that will advance the coastal habitat restoration and climate resilience priorities of tribes and underserved communities. Through this funding, NOAA will help support community-driven habitat restoration and build the capacity of tribes and underserved communities to more fully participate in restoration activities.

Through New York State’s Clean Energy, Clean Water & Green Jobs Bond Act, the Department of State (DOS) is making $15 million available for implementation projects that improve waterfront and watershed resiliency and reduce climate impacts, particularly flooding. Projects should implement a complete or substantially complete LWRP or a complete or substantially complete relevant LWRP Component (including a watershed management plan funded by Department of State). The program prioritizes projects using natural solutions to enhance community resilience while also delivering environmental, economic and social benefits. Eligible applicants are: 1) A village, town, or city located along New York’s coasts or inland waterways 2) A county with the consent and acting on behalf of one or more eligible villages, towns or cities.

Through New York State’s Clean Energy, Clean Water & Green Jobs Bond Act, the Department of State (DOS) is making $20 million available for habitat restoration, climate resiliency and risk reduction, and stormwater management projects located within the New York State Coastal areas, areas draining into the New York State Coastal area, and/or areas within the Coastal Nonpoint Source boundary (see map). Projects must be identified or implement goals outlined in state, regional, or local management plans/programs/studies. The program prioritizes projects using natural solutions to enhance community resilience while also delivering environmental, economic and social benefits. Eligible applicants include Municipalities (counties, cities, towns, villages, Indian Nations or Tribes recognized by the state or United States), Not-for-Profits, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and New York State Agencies and Authorities. Projects may include design and construction, or construction.

$45 million will be made available through the NYSDEC for the RWG Program. The program seeks to build on the success of the Resilient NY program and advance the State’s goal of strengthening water infrastructure and protecting New Yorkers from the impacts of extreme weather. The overall goal of the RWG program is to implement projects that build community resilience to extreme weather events, promote flood risk and ice jam reduction and/or restoration, enhance flood and climate resilience, implement natural and nature-based feature construction, or ecologically sustainable projects while supporting healthy riparian habitats. This funding is for the construction/implementation of projects, not projects exclusively for planning and/or design. The RWG program is open to local governments, Indian Nations, County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, State agencies, and not-for-profit corporations.

This factsheet summarizes the findings of a 2022 informal needs assessment of coastal Long Island Sound communities conducted by the Long Island Sound Study’s Sustainable & Resilient Communities (SRC) Working Group Extension Professionals Team. The goal of the needs assessment was to guide future SRC work and to understand: 1) which environmental threats communities are most concerned about, 2) what communities are already doing to address these threats (including their goals and priority projects), 3) what barriers are preventing actions, and 4) what support is needed to overcome those barriers. 

Up to $10 million in non-federal matching funds to support communities applying for the
Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
program (FEMA BRIC). DEEP’s Matching Funds for FEMA BRIC program is a new funding initiative and is part of the new Deployment category of the DEEP Climate Resilience Fund (DCRF). DCRF supports implementation and construction for community and energy resilience projects.

FEMA BRIC funds pre-disaster hazard mitigation and climate adaption
projects that will enable communities to withstand or rapidly recover from future disasters. For fiscal
year 2024 funds, FEMA is prioritizing projects that align with multiple BRIC program objectives and
the 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan. These objectives include addressing multiple hazards,
incorporating risk-informed nature-based solutions, eliminating disparities across disadvantaged
communities, and mitigating current and future risk to public infrastructure.

On December 5, 2024, the Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) team of the Long Island Sound Study hosted a field trip featuring the Town of Hamden’s Bioretention Project – the largest municipally owned rain garden in the state! Participants began with a guided tour of the rain garden and bioretention areas at Town Center Park, where they heard from project planners and managers about its history, partnerships, challenges, and maintenance. Following this, participants gathered at the Hamden Government Center for a working lunch and presentations on topics including UConn’s Stormwater Corps, native plants, project engineering, and using nature-based solutions to advance climate resilience goals. The day concluded with a lively group discussion. Special thanks to our partners with the Town of Hamden, Save the Sound, the Hamden Land Trust, and UConn Extension.

Photo credit: Judy Benson

Community-driven relocation describes a situation where a community decides it will relocate,
in whole or in part, to reduce the risk faced by communities and individuals. This Community-Driven Relocation Subcommittee report provides background on community-driven relocation, an
overview of the current federal legal and programmatic landscape, and potential next steps that
Federal agencies can take, as part of a whole-of-government approach, to support communities
contemplating relocation.

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) recently released a comprehensive report on understanding and addressing the occurrence of local flooding. Developed in collaboration with leading engineering firm Fuss & O’Neill, the study was motivated by the need to address the growing concerns surrounding flood risks across Connecticut. The report evaluates current flood management practices and outlines a series of strategic interventions actionable recommendations to enhance community resilience.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team held our 2024 Annual Workshop virtually as three sessions over two days. Session topics focused on our assistance programs, new regional resilience resources and tools, and a discussion on planning for inundation and different considerations communities may face.

Session 3 – Planning for Inundation was held on Wednesday, December 11th from 10 AM-12 PM. Participants heard from communities and regional entities that are using or considering different aspects of planning for inundation, including buyout programs, land use policies, and community perspectives on retreat/relocation.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team held our 2024 Annual Workshop virtually as three sessions over two days. Session topics focused on our assistance programs, new regional resilience resources and tools, and a discussion on planning for inundation and different considerations communities may face.

Session 2 – Resilience Tools was held on Tuesday, December 10th from 1:30-3:30 PM. Participants learned about new Resilience Tools being developed and used throughout coastal Long Island Sound.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team held our 2024 Annual Workshop virtually as three sessions over two days. Session topics focused on our assistance programs, new regional resilience resources and tools, and a discussion on planning for inundation and different considerations communities may face.

Session 1 – SRC Resilience Assistance Programs was held on Tuesday, December 10th from 10-11:30 AM. Participants learned about our Sustainable and Resilient Communities resilience assistance programs and heard from communities who have successfully utilized them to advance resilience project plans, build capacity, and secure competitive grant funding!

The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) provides funding, expertise, training, and other resources to help communities advance their climate resilience plans and projects while also developing the strategies and capacities that communities nationwide will need as climate impacts intensify.

On October 28, 2024, state and local decision makers, municipal staff, and other interested parties working to address coastal issues gathered at the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy in Sands Point, NY to identify opportunities to increase resilience, learn about best practices, and enhance coordination across communities. There were presentations on the Long Island Sound Resilience Resource Hub & Assistance Programs, NYSDEC Office of Climate Change updates, marsh conservation planning, bluff management and restoration, and nature-based solutions to increase shoreline resilience. There was also a guided walking tour of the resilience projects at Sands Point Preserve.

The event is hosted by Long Island Sound Study and New York Sea Grant, in partnership with the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy and Nassau and Suffolk Soil and Water Conservation Districts.   

Established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Discretionary Grant Program aims to help make surface transportation more resilient to natural hazards, including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters. Funding is available for planning activities, resilience improvements, community resilience and evacuation routes, and at-risk costal infrastructure. Projects selected under this program should be grounded in the best available scientific understanding of climate change risks, impacts, and vulnerabilities, and should utilize innovative and collaborative approaches to risk reduction, including the use of nature-based solutions.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team is excited to announce that for our 2024 Annual Workshop we are holding a series of virtual sessions over two days focused on our assistance programs, new regional resilience resources and tools, and a discussion on planning for inundation and different considerations communities may face.

Session 3 – Planning for Inundation 

Join us on Wednesday, December 11th from 10 AM-12 PM to hear from communities and regional entities that are considering different aspects of planning for inundation, including buyout programs, land use policies, and community perspectives on retreat/relocation.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team is excited to announce that for our 2024 Annual Workshop we are holding a series of virtual sessions over two days focused on our assistance programs, new regional resilience resources and tools, and a discussion on planning for inundation and different considerations communities may face.

Session 2 – Resilience Tools

Join us on Tuesday, December 10th from 1:30-3:30 PM to learn about new Resilience Tools being developed and used throughout coastal Long Island Sound!

This site provides federally supported data visualizations coupled with explanations and science education to help communities prepare for challenges that will affect our coastal environments. By showing how sea levels are changing regionally, the site provides a foundation to inform decision-making related to coastal planning, resource management, and emergency operations.

This website is a collaborative effort from The Interagency Task Force on Sea Level Change (DOD, EPA, FEMA, NASA, NOAA, USACE, USAID, and USGS).

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team is excited to announce that for our 2024 Annual Workshop we are holding a series of virtual sessions over two days focused on our assistance programs, new regional resilience resources and tools, and a discussion on planning for inundation and different considerations communities may face.

Session 1 – SRC Resilience Assistance Programs

Join us on Tuesday, December 10th from 10-11:30 AM to learn about our Sustainable and Resilient Communities resilience assistance programs and hear from communities who have successfully utilized them to advance resilience project plans, build capacity, and/or secure competitive grant funding!

On October 29, 2024, state and local decision makers, municipal staff, and other interested parties working to address coastal issues gathered at the Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp in Riverhead, NY to identify opportunities to increase resilience, learn about best practices, and enhance coordination across communities. There were presentations on the Long Island Sound Resilience Resource Hub, NYSDEC Climate Office updates, marsh conservation planning, bluff management and restoration, and nature-based solutions to increase shoreline resilience. There was also a field trip to Iron Pier Beach/Maidstone Landing to view and learn about a community bluff restoration project.

This event was hosted by Long Island Sound Study and New York Sea Grant, in partnership with Nassau and Suffolk Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Nassau CCE, and Maidstone Landing. 

The second round of grantmaking for the Environmental Justice Data Fund (EJDF) will be supported by a $4 million fund. The EJDF aims to help frontline communities historically underserved and disproportionately impacted by climate change and environmental injustice in the United States use data to address environmental hazards, with special attention to matters regarding air and water quality. The EJDF will support eligible organizations to unlock resources, increase their access to federal infrastructure funding, and advocate for new policies that empower communities to address past environmental harm and pave the way to a more sustainable, climate-resilient future.

The Fifth National Climate Assessment is the US Government’s preeminent report on climate change impacts, risks, and responses. It is a congressionally mandated interagency effort that provides the scientific foundation to support informed decision-making across the United States.

This fact sheet for Conservation Commissions in Connecticut reviews the role of these commissions for enhancing the climate resilience of their communities. The resource was developed by CIRCA and covers the authority and duties of conservation commissions as well as detailing specific strategies and approaches.

EPA has selected Fordham University to serve as pass-through entity for the Thriving Communities Grants for New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Thriving Communities subgrants will be distributed to support capacity building in communities affected by environmental or public health issues to eligible applicants. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until March 31, 2025.

The permitting process for shoreline modification projects is complex and it can be daunting to know where to begin. Check out New York Sea Grant’s NEW Guide to Permitting Shoreline Modification Projects in New York’s Tidal Waters for an overview of the process informed by federal, state, and local perspectives. It is intended for permit applicants using the New York State Joint Application for shoreline construction or modification, ranging from major to minor projects such as construction of floating docks, installing natural and nature-based features, bulkhead repair, development near a wetland, dredging, and invasive species removal.

The New York State Climate Impacts Assessment explores current and future climate change impacts to New York State communities, ecosystems, and economy. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) assembled more than 250 New York–based, national, and Indigenous climate science experts and representatives from diverse communities and industries across the state to contribute to this assessment. The findings are intended to help residents, businesses, and decision-makers across the state plan and prepare for climate change impacts.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) is pleased to announce the availability of $60 million in grant funding through the inaugural round of the Green Resiliency Grant (GRG) program under the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act). The new program will prioritize grants to flood-prone communities and help them undertake innovative green infrastructure projects such as green roofs, green streets, and permeable pavement.

Awards small grants in support of grassroots efforts and community-based environmental work in New England. The Grassroots Fund utilizes participatory grantmaking to move resources to New England grassroots groups working at the intersections of Environmental Justice. The program is geared toward groups who have some experience implementing a project in their community. Grants support groups to deepen their work by further developing a community vision, lowering barriers to participation, identifying new stakeholders, and working to bring more voices and lived experiences into core decision-making processes.

This resource outlines six different federal mitigation funding programs. It provides an overview of available options and links to learn more information and apply.

Congressionally Directed Spending requests, also known as Community Project Funding or Earmarks, are funding requests for high-impact, Connecticut-based projects that can be completed with assistance from the federal government. The project must meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the accounts listed.

The NCRF is a national program with the goal of enhancing protection for coastal communities from the impacts of storms, floods, and other natural coastal hazards and to improve habitats for fish and wildlife. This year, NFWF will award approximately $140 million in grants for the planning, design, and implementation of natural and nature-based solutions.

This study by Seth et al. provides up-to-date information on observed trends and projections of temperature and precipitation in Connecticut.

The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program is a competitive program that provides funding to states, federally recognized Tribal governments, U.S. territories, and local governments. Since the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 was signed into law, funds are used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program will support states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. The BRIC program’s guiding principles are to support communities through capability and capacity building, encourage and enable innovation; promote partnerships, enable large projects, maintain flexibility, and provide consistency.

New York Sea Grant and Connecticut Sea Grant are providing grant preparation and writing capacity to New York and Connecticut communities that are pursuing funding for sustainability and resilience-focused projects. This technical assistance program helps municipalities and community organizations develop successful grant proposals and develop capacity for navigating the funding landscape. 

Guidance and training modules for Connecticut Zoning changes to address climate vulnerabilities. On the website there are examples of zoning policies municipalities could modify and/or adopt to enhance local climate resilience. Where applicable, model ordinances and examples of where the policies have been adopted are included.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA’s) Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Framework, 3^rd Edition, is a guide and collection of resources for use in analyzing the impacts of climate change and extreme weather on transportation infrastructure. Its purpose is to identify key considerations, questions, and resources that can be used to design and implement a climate change vulnerability assessment. The processes, lessons learned, and resources outlined in the framework are geared toward state departments of transportation (DOTs), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and other agencies involved in planning, building, or maintaining the transportation system. It includes suggestions and examples applicable to a wide range of applications, from small qualitative studies to large, detailed, data-intensive analyses. The resources included in the framework will be added to and updated over time.

To better understand how Connecticut’s coastal area marshes and roads may respond to sea level rise (SLR), Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM) was applied to Connecticut’s shoreline by Warren Pinnacle Consulting, Inc. This viewer displays the model’s results for Connecticut’s 21 largest marshes and all coastal area roads. For marshes, SLAMM was run two hundred times using alternative model inputs for key model parameters, including various SLR scenarios, to produce probability based results of likely future marsh conditions. For roads, the model uses a single SLR scenario of about 4.2 feet by 2100 from the base year of 2002. The Sea Level Rise Effects on Roads and Marshes projects is a project between CT DEEP and UConn CLEAR.

Part C funding provides direct financial and staff support to conservation projects throughout Nassau County. Projects must meet one or more of the follow criteria in Nassau County:

1. Conserve or improve soils
2. Improve water quality of our groundwater and/or surface water
3. Control and prevent soil erosion and/or prevent floodwater and sediment damages
4. Conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water
5. Preserve, increase, or improve natural resources including trees and plants
6. Control or eliminate invasive plants or wildlife
7. Control and abate NPS water pollution
8. Preserve wildlife

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) WQIP funds implementation projects to improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source.

The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Grant program was established in 2016 to provide grants to cities, towns, villages, and counties of the State of New York for eligible climate change mitigation, adaptation, and planning and assessment projects. Funds are available for two broad project categories – implementation and certification. The first project category supports implementation projects related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (mainly outside the power sector), climate change adaptation, and engineering feasibility studies for flood mitigation and Hydrofluorocarbons. The second supports planning and assessment projects aligned with Climate Smart Communities certification actions.

The NYS Department of State (NYSDOS) is soliciting applications from eligible villages, towns, cities located along New York’s coasts or designated inland waterways, counties, or regional planning councils to advance the preparation or implementation of strategies for community and waterfront revitalization through the following grant categories: Preparing or Updating a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), including Updating an LWRP to be More Resilient to Climate Risks; Preparing an LWRP Component, including a Watershed Management Plan; Implementing an LWRP or a completed LWRP Component.

The Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) supports projects across New York State that utilize unique EPA-designated green stormwater infrastructure design and create cutting-edge green technologies. Competitive grants are awarded annually to projects that improve water quality and mitigate the effects of climate change through the implementation of one or more of the following green practices: Green Stormwater Infrastructure, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency and Environmental Innovation.

The Healthy Communities Grant Program is EPA New England’s main competitive grant program to work directly with communities to reduce environmental risks to protect and improve human health and the quality of life. he Healthy Communities Grant Program will achieve this through identifying and funding projects that:
– Target resources to benefit communities at risk.
– Assess, understand, and reduce environmental and human health risks.
– Increase collaboration through partnerships and community-based projects.
– Build institutional and community capacity to understand and solve environmental and human health problems.
– Achieve measurable environmental and human health benefits.

The EPOC Grant Program provides non-profit and not-for-profit environmental advocacy groups, community based groups and environmental education organizations funding for local projects that benefit the environment.

Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund is an innovative program that provides fast, flexible funding and support for engaging your community on wide-ranging sustainability projects. Eligible projects receive dollar-for-dollar matching funds from Sustainable CT.

Awards small grants in support of grassroots efforts and community-based environmental work in New England. The Grassroots Fund utilizes participatory grantmaking to move resources to New England grassroots groups working at the intersections of Environmental Justice. The program is geared toward groups who have some experience implementing a project in their community. Grants support groups to deepen their work by further developing a community vision, lowering barriers to participation, identifying new stakeholders, and working to bring more voices and lived experiences into core decision-making processes.

The Connecticut Society for Women Environmental Professionals Grant Program provides funding for local projects in Connecticut that benefit the environment. Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded. Any application meeting the grant guidelines that is not successful in one cycle may reapply during any following cycle. The applications will be judged based on the environmental benefits of each project, in comparison to others. “Environmental benefits” can vary widely and successful applications have ranged from property clean-ups to environmental education.

The Green Fund seeks innovative proposals from committed organizations and individuals for activities that advance our mission which is to promote environmental quality, public health and equity in our community by providing grants and other incentives that contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future and reduce air, water and land pollution.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is launching a pilot program to fully fund small water resources projects for economically disadvantaged communities (based on the federal definition of disadvantaged communities (PDF)). This program was directed by Section 165 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020. : Project proposals under this pilot program are for projects under the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP). Under CAP, the Corps can plan, design, and implement certain types of water resources projects without additional project specific congressional authorization. The purpose of the CAP is to plan and implement projects of limited size, cost, scope, and complexity. While CAP projects typically require a costshare with a non-Federal sponsor, this pilot program will fully fund the selected projects.

The NEP Coastal Watersheds Grant Program is a nationally competitive grants program designed to support projects that address urgent and challenging issues threatening the well-being of coastal and estuarine areas within determined estuaries of national significance.

NFWF will award up to $140 million in grants to create and restore natural systems in order to increase protection for communities from coastal hazards, such as storms, sea- and lake-level changes, inundation, and coastal erosion, while improving habitats for fish and wildlife species. NFWF prioritizes projects that are community led or incorporate direct community engagement and benefit underserved communities facing disproportionate harm from climate impacts.

The Long Island Sound Stewardship Fund (LISSF) is a competitive grant program seeking proposals to restore and protect the health and living resources of Long Island Sound. LISSF is interested in empowering communities of all kinds (including communities typically underrepresented in environmental programs and projects) to access, improve, and benefit from Long Island Sound, its waterways, and surrounding lands. Up to $400,000 is expected to be available for grants in 2025. The most competitive proposals will incorporate multiple values including sustainability, resilience, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is seeking proposals to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound (Sound). The program is managed by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). Major funding is from EPA through the LISS with additional funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Zoetis Foundation.

This grant program supports efforts to test innovative approaches to conservation, deliver transformative projects, and support people and communities who value the sound and take a direct role in its future. Projects should advance implementation of the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2024 Update (CCMP). The Futures Fund invests in projects under three CCMP themes: 1) Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds; 2) Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife; 3) Sustainable and Resilient Communities. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program will support states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. The BRIC program’s guiding principles are to support communities through capability and capacity building, encourage and enable innovation; promote partnerships, enable large projects, maintain flexibility, and provide consistency.

The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program is a competitive program that provides funding to states, federally recognized Tribal governments, U.S. territories, and local governments. Since the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 was signed into law, funds are used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program.

With support from the Nature Conservancy and Sustainable CT, East Haddam organized a Community Resilience Building process and workshop, the results of which were compiled into this summary. The team engaged with community members to determine the present hazards and vulnerabilities and identify resilient solutions.

Increased development and the historic construction of a dam on Sunken Meadow Creek in the 1950’s led to reduced tidal exchange, increased water levels in the creek, poor water quality, and the proliferation of invasive species. In 2008 a number of partners (NYS OPRHP, NOAA, NYSDEC, LISS, TNC, Save the Sound, USFWS, LI Botanical Society) came together to work to restore the degraded marsh habitat around Sunken Meadow Creek, increase tidal flow, improve aquatic organism passage, limit invasives, and improve water quality. A restoration feasibility study was completed in 2010. In 2012 Superstorm Sandy blew out the dam on Sunken Meadow Creek, naturally kick-starting restoration. Following Superstorm Sandy, the project partners were able to quickly capitalize on available funding and grants, due to their prior planning efforts. A bridge was built across the Creek where the dam blew out, salt marsh habitat was restored at three locations, green infrastructure was installed in one of the parking areas to capture and treat stormwater runoff, fish passage feasibility on the creek was investigated, and education and outreach was conducted to thousands of people. These projects were completed in 2019. Now, with funding through Long Island Sound Futures Fund, Audubon NY is leading a large-scale marsh restoration project at Sunken Meadow Creek to restore important high-marsh habitat for at risk species, like the Saltmarsh Sparrow, and to increase the resilience of the marsh in the face of rising sea levels. Audubon will be working to finalize the designs and secure permits over the next two years, with on-the-ground restoration expected in 2026.

In 2019, the City of Norwalk secured a LIS Future Fund grant to install green infrastructure in the Webster Street Parking to reduce the impacts of stormwater on the Norwalk River and Harbor and mitigate local flooding of surrounding businesses through the installation of four different types of infiltration and bio-retention structures:
1) Underground infiltration systems.
2) Retention basins and curb inlet planters in eight different areas.
3) Porous pavement with storage in two areas.
4) Infiltration gutters and tree filters in two other areas.

Dana Dam (aka Strong Pond Dam) at Merwin Meadows Park in Wilton, CT was the first barrier to upstream fish migration from Long Island Sound on the Norwalk River. A series of dams along the Norwalk River (historically, and presently) prevented fish from reaching their historic spawning grounds, have posed safety risks, and disconnected the river from its natural floodplain. On September 11, 2023, demolition of this dam began! In addition to restoring habitat and allowing fish passage, the removal restored natural floodplain connectivity, realigned 200 feet of river channel away from an active railroad embankment, and removed a known safety hazard.

Partners

• Save the Sound, CT DEEP, Trout Unlimited, Town of Wilton

The City of New Haven has installed 286 right-of-way bioswales throughout the city as part of a multifaceted approach to reducing flooding in the downtown area. Right-of-way bioswales are engineered planted areas that are located on sidewalks. They are designed to capture and infiltrate stormwater into the ground that would otherwise directly enter a storm drain. These bioswales were installed as the result of various partnerships and funding opportunities related to flood prevention, localized drainage solutions, combined sewer overflow mitigation, research, and traffic calming projects.

Project Lead

City of New Haven, Dept of Engineering

Project Partners

Urban Resources Initiative, EMERGE Inc., Save the Sound, Yale School of the Environment, and Quinnipiac University, among others.

This public greenspace was suffering from mosquito overpopulation, invasion from Phragmites, and poor tidal/stormwater drainage. The Wetland’s Habitat and Mosquito Management Program (WHAMM) created a new drainage area and tunnels, while also eliminating invasive plants. Then organizations and volunteers banded together to remove and replace invasive plant species with native plants.

The purpose of this project was to mitigate 450 ft of coastal erosion on the Long Island Sound. A part of Crab Creek was moved further inland, thus allowing for beach and dune migration over time. New rock sills, plants, and sand sills were also positioned along the shore.

The New York State Department of State worked with the Department of Environmental Conservation and other partners to create model local laws to help local governments be more resilient to sea-level rise, storm surge, and flooding. Cities, towns, and villages are invited to adapt model local laws to meet the resilience needs of the community with the assistance of their municipal attorneys.

This document developed in support of the NYS Community Risk and Resiliency Act 1) Describes natural resilience measures and how they can be used to mitigate the risks of flooding and erosion, 2) Provides definitions for different types of natural resilience measures and distinguishes among conserved, restored, nature-based and hard structural approaches, 3) Provides information on the value and benefits of using natural resilience measures, along with information on the co-benefits they provide, 4) Lists key factors to consider in the restoration, design and construction of natural resilience measures, and 5) Provides background to support the development of NYS agency guidance on natural resilience measures in the future

This guidance document is intended for stakeholders pursuing FEMA HMA grants for nature-based solutions to mitigate risks associated with flooding (riverine and coastal) and wildfire.

ReduceFloodRisk.org was developed by the Association of State Floodplain Managers to help property owners and buyers in flood prone areas identify strategies to reduce their properties risk of flooding.

Developed by The Nature Conservancy, this tool identifies priority road-stream and tidal crossings in Suffolk County for replacement or upgrades. Prioritization is based on social and ecological criteria. Additionally, it includes data on current and future projected flooding and marsh extent under various sea level rise scenarios. The tool is meant to be a screening tool for planning efforts.

Suffolk County and the local governments within Suffolk County developed a FEMA approved Hazard Mitigation Plan, which documents risks from natural hazards and strategies to mitigate hazards.

The Coastal Science Navigator is intended to help users discover USGS Coastal Change Hazards information, products, and tools relevant to their scientific or decision-making needs.

This Story Map was developed to provide an overview of the Westchester County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) to facilitate county-wide access to the plan. The Westchester County HMP was developed to provide a roadmap to resilience by identifying hazards affecting the county and its communities.

The Superstorm Sandy Review Task Force conducted an in-depth review of the preparation for and response to Superstorm Sandy in Suffolk County by government agencies, first responders, nonprofits and private sector entities to determine which measures were effective and what actions must be taken in the future to increase resiliency and improve response to extreme weather events.

The CCVI combines built, social, and ecological factors to identify areas that are vulnerable to flooding and heat related impacts of climate change. These mapping tools can be used to view vulnerability at both a regional scale and at specific sites to see how factors are contributing.

Contains guidance documents and information on coastal permitting from the State of Connecticut.

Provides information about coastal hazard management in Connecticut including steps for developing plans and responses.

A centralized source of information for municipal officials, coastal property owners, state coastal managers, and the general public on coastal hazards in Connecticut.

Connecticut-specific site with maps, data, and visualization tools. Contains: Blue Plan, MS4 Viewer, CT Parcel Viewer, Sea Level Rise Effects on Roads & Marshes, CT DEEP Fish Community Data – Inland Waters, CT Aquaculture Mapping Atlas, CT Coastal Hazards Viewer, Carbon Stock & Land Cover Viewer

The Connecticut Shoreline Change Project analyzes how the Connecticut shoreline has changed between the late 1800’s and 2006 through loss (erosion) and gain (accretion) over time.