Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Ganim is announcing that The United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service has been granted funding that will help landowners with property who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy and Irene.

“I am pleased to know that our coastal homeowners are being offered this funding to provide options moving forward. The money will help homeowners who were severely impacted by the hurricanes and give then an alternative, rather than reside in the path of a future storm,” said Mayor Ganim.

To be considered for this program, applications must be completed and submitted by October 10, 2018 to USDA-NRCS, 344 Merror Road, Tolland, CT 060084, Attn: Kristin Walker. Easement compensation rates and ranking priorities vary by location and depend on where the land is in the floodplain and how it is used. This program offers landowners the option to place a permanent easement on their property for a one-time purchase price. This option is available to landowners where acquiring an easement is the best approach to reduce threat to life and/or property.

This program purchases the permanent easements on eligible lands and restores the area to natural conditions. NRCS’ goal is to fill areas between existing easement properties, to implement more complete restoration and improve flood resiliency.  Private land damaged by Hurricane Irene and Sandy are eligible if they are in a floodplain that is in the FEMA AS Zone or higher.   Funding preference is given to lands that are contiguous with other permanently protected lands where NRCS can maximize the restoration effort and improve flood storage and protection.

Bridgeport residents that have questions or need further assistance may contact Joe Gresko, Green Projects Manager, Mayor’s Office, 203-576-7201.

This press release is made possible by: