#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that Connecticut will receive $7.97 million in federal competitive matching grants for four projects designed to make local communities more resilient against future storms.
“These grants will allow Connecticut to build upon substantial progress we have already made along our coastline and in other areas throughout the state that are prone to flooding. Projects funded will also help restore critical natural habitat in the state,” said Governor Malloy. “Today’s grant awards demonstrate the continued commitment of the Obama Administration to make communities more resilient in the face of future storms that we are going to experience.”
Received under the Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Competitive Grant Program, the funds are being administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The projects being funded include:
- $3.75 million to increase Mill River’s flood resiliency and re-create a habitat corridor in Stamford. Project will eradicate invasive species, replant native flora, and remove 15 properties from the one percent flood risk area.
- $2.8 million to remove a hazardous and unused fish barrier in Enfield. Project will restore 7.7 miles of fish runs, reunite brook trout populations, and reduce flood hazards.
- $700,000 for ten municipalities that run along the entire central coast of Connecticut. The municipalities will integrate green infrastructure principles, prioritize projects, and contribute to a Regional Coastal Resiliency Plan.
- $720,000 to develop a flood and storm resiliency management plan for the Pawcatuck River Watershed and 11 communities in Connecticut and southern Rhode Island. Project will aid in the watershed’s resiliency enhancement, restore habitat, and protect local communities from flooding.
“We are grateful to Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell and the department’s funding of projects designed to address the needs of Connecticut’s residents and businesses facing firsthand the effects of a changing climate,” added Governor Malloy. “We know as a state, we are going to experience more frequent and more severe weather events and the time to prepare is now. Today’s grants will provide us with significant resources to aid in those preparations.”
A complete list of the projects announced today under the Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Competitive Grant Program can be found online.