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Coastal Resilience Funding Opportunities for Defense Communities

Defense communities are those towns, cities and regional areas that are home to military installations, often, but not always adjacent, and economically tied to military missions. Military leadership collaborate with state, regional and local government, and private organizations to ensure military readiness and support families throughout the community. Coastal resilience, the ability for a community to withstand hazards such as hurricanes, extreme weather and flooding, has become an increasingly important concern to defense communities located on or near the coast. To increase coastal resilience, communities are building or retrofitting stormwater infrastructure, protecting against shoreline erosion, and preserving groundwater using natural and nature-based infrastructure.

 

Federal Grant Programs

FUNDING PROGRAMFUNDING AGENCY / PARTNERSDESCRIPTIONELIGIBLE APPLICANTSELIGIBLE PROJECTSCOST SHARE (% federal / % non-federal)AWARD RANGEAPPLICATION TIMINGWEB ADDRESS
REPI ChallengeDepartmetn of DefenseCost-share for partnership projects that use natural resource conservation or nature-based infrastructure to improve climate resilience off-base and contribute to mission readinessState, regional, local, territorial government, private conservation organization

Must work with a military installation
Community Capacity Building and Planning Site Assessment and Preliminary Design Final Design and Permitting
Restoration and Monitoring: easement acquisition to protect natural habitats
50/50 (%DoD / %non-DoD)

**REPI can be used as non-federal match
$500,000 - $25 milionPre-proposal required July, proposal September, announced JanuaryLINK
OLDCC
Military Installation Sustainability
Department of DefenseGrants to conduct targeted studies or planning processes that support resilience of installation and supporting community. Examples transporttion, landuse/encroachement, housing, stormwater managment tabletop exerciseds with military and civilian leadership to respond to disruptions.State, regional, local, territorial, tribal government

Must work with a military installation
Community capacity building and planning processes90/10$85,000 - $1 millionService can nominate in March call or out of cycle

Community application is open
LINK
OLDCC- Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP)Department of DefenseGrants to address deficiencies in community infrastructure, supportive of a military installation. Projects are publicly-owned, construction-ready , but have not begon construction and are endorsed by the local installation commander.State, regional, local, territorial, tribal government and non-profit utilities.

Must work with a military installation
Construction ready projects including off shore and shoreline infrastructure, flood control, wastewater, transportation70/30, no match required in small, rural areas$500,000 - $15 million


Applications open in May and due in JulyLINK
National Coastal Resilience FundNational Fish and Wildlife Foundation / National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) / DOD / other partners
Grants to support coastal resilience projects that create or restore natural systems to help protect coastal communities from climate and extreme weather impacts.State, regional, local, territorial, tribal government, non-profit org. educational institutions, for-profit organizations.Community Capacity Building and Planning Site Assessment and Preliminary Design Final Design and Permitting
Restoration and Monitoring
No match required$100,000 - $10 million depending on project typePre-proposal required April, proposal June announced in NovemberLINK
Emergency Coastal Resilience FundNational Fish and Wildlife Foundation / National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA)
Grants to support coastal resilience projects that create or restore natural systems to help protect coastal communities from climate and extreme weather impacts after a Presidential disaster declarationState, regional, local, territorial, tribal government, non-profit org. educational institutions, for-profit organizations.Community Capacity Building and Planning Site Assessment and Preliminary Design Final Design and Permitting Restoration and MonitoringNo match requiredVaries depending on disaster declarationLINK
America the Beautiful ChallengeNational Fish and Wildlife Foundation / DoD/DOI/USDAGrants to support new and large-scale conservation and restoration projects that span public and private landsStates, territories and Tribes for DOI projects. non profits, local governments, and educational institutions for buffer project and private lands projects.Conservation and restoration on public and private lands, capacity building and planning for underserved communitites, conservation in national forests and to buffere DoD facilities, and outreach and engagement with private landowners.Match vaires by program$200,000 - $5 million depending on project typePre-proposal April, proposal July, announcement NovemberLINK
Transformational Habitat Resotation and Coastal Resilience GrantsNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA)
Grant to rebuild productive and sustainable fisheries, contribute to the recovery and conservation of threatened and endangered species, use natural infrastructure to reduce damage from flooding and storms, promote resilient ecosystems and communities, and yield socioeconomic benefits.higher education, non-profits, for profit organizations, U.S. territories, and state, local, and tribal governments.Coastal resilience projects include living shoreline, oyster reef and other natural infrastructure projectsNo match required, match recommended$1 million - $25 millionProposal NovemberLINK
National Coastal Wetlands Conservation GrantsUnited States Fish and Wildlife ServiceGrants to protect, restore and enhance coastal wetland ecosystems and associated upland.State agenciesAcquisition, restoration of coastal wetlands or maritime forests and phased projects75/25 (in-kind, cash or combination)Up to $1 million per stateDue in June, notify in Jan-MarchLINK
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC )Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) / State Emergency ManagementGrants to support state, local, tribe and territory governments for project planning, development and implementation. Projects must reduce future hazard risk.State, territory, tribal government is applicant, subapplicant- local govtAll phases of projects including managment, capability and capacity building, project development and implementation and building code adoption and enforcement75/25 for typical project, 90/10 for small impoverished communitiesDirect technical assistance, projects up to $50 million federal share for national competitionFederal application due Feb from states, state deadlines varyLINK
Hazard Mitigation Grant ProgramFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) / State Emergency ManagementGrants to support projects on public or private property that reduce loss of life and property damage in accordance with hazard mitigation plans and after a Presidential disaster declarationState, territory, tribal government is applicant, subapplicant- local govt, non-profitProperty acquisition, structure elevation, dry floodproofing, infrastructure retrofit, code enforcement, aquifer and storage recovery, , floodplain and stream restoration, green infrastructure, other90/10Varies depending on disaster declarationVaries depending on declared disasterLINK
Flood Mitigation Assistance GrantFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) / State Emergency ManagementGrants for planning and projects to reduce or eliminate risk of flood damage to buildings that are insured annually under the National Flood Insurance Program.State, territory, tribal government is applicant, subapplicant- local govt, non-profitAll phases of projects including managment, capability and capacity building, project development , both localiized flood irsk reducation projects (ex. drainage or NBS) and individual flood mitigation projects (ex. acquisition, elevation, relocation) are included75/25 for typical projects, 90/10 for qualifying locations 100% for severe repetitive loss properties.Specific projects have limits for example up to $50 million for a localized flood risk reduction projectFederal application due Feb, state deadlines varyLINK
Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) Section 103: Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction

Section 204: Beneficial Use of Dredge Material

Section 205: Flood Damage Reduction

Section 206: Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration

Section 1135: Improvements to the Environment
Department of Defense / US Army Corps of EngineersPartnership program to study, design, and construct small coastal storm damage reduction. Water resources and ecosystem restoration projects. Each project must be economically justified, environmentally sound, and technically feasible.Cities, counties, special authorities, or units of state governmentEmergency streambank and shoreline protection for public facilities like roads, bridges, schools, and water/sewage treatment plants that are in danger of failing; Protection of public and private properties/facilities against damages caused by storms through the construction of revetments, groins and jetties; Use of dredged material from federal projects for the reduction in storm damages to property and to protect, restore, or create habitats, including wetlands; Aquatic ecosystem restoration; projects.For study, no match up to $100,000, costs over 50/50 Final Design 65/35Request for program by letter of intentLINK
Planning Assistance to StatesDepartment of Defense / US Army Corps of EngineersCorps can prepare plans for the development, utilization,
and conservation of water including flood control, located within the boundaries of
the State. The Corps can provide concept designs only.
State, territory, tribal government and NGOsStudies of water or water-related resources - Watershed Planning, GIS mapping
(water, sewer, and storm), Hydrologic and hydraulic , Shoreline Protection, etc.
50/50 (can be in-kind)Request for program by letter of intentLINK
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentFunds a variety of community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities. Must substantially benefit low- and moderate-income communitiesLocal government, cities with populations of 50,000+ or counties with 200,000+ with substantial community need based on poverty, overcrowding, etc.Infrastructure, such as stormwater, economic development projects, public facilities installation and improvement, community centers, beautification of public areas, restoration and conservation, etc.Grants of $300,001 to $750,000 - 5% local matching funds required. Grants of more than $750,001 - 10% local matching funds required.June application deadline (2021)LINK
Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR)Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentProvides funding to rebuild affected areas and provide seed money to start recovery. These flexible grants help cities, counties, and States recover from Presidentially declared disasters, especially in low-income areas, subject to availability of supplemental appropriations.Same as CBDG, but also a disaster declarationSame as CDBG, with an emphasis on recovery after a disasterMatching funds not requiredVaries depending on declared disasterLINK
Rural Development Water and Environmental ProgramsDepartment of AgricultureFinancial and technical assistance and financing for rural drinking wter and waste disposal systems for communities with a population of 10,000 or less.Rural public bodies, NGOs, Federally recognized tribesSeveral programs including planning grants and loans or loan guaranteers. The emergency community water assistance grant helps eligible communities prepare or recover from an emergency that threatens safe drinking water.Matching funds not requiredVaries by program- for emergency assistance, up to $150,000 for waterlines, up to $1 million for new wells, reservoirs or other water infrastructure.OpenLINK
Emergency Watershed Protection ProgramDepartment of AgricultureQuickly protect infrastructure and land from additional flooding and soil erosion. EWP does not require a disaster declaration by federal or state government officials to begin. The NRCS State Conservationist can declare a local watershed emergency and the program assistance with an eligible sponsor.Cities, counties, towns, conservation districts, or any federally recognized Native American tribe or tribal organizationRemove debris from stream channels, culverts and bridges;
reshape and protect eroded streambanks;
correct damaged or destroyed drainage facilities;
establish vegetative cover on critically eroding lands;
repair levees and structures;
repair certain conservation practices, and
purchase floodplain easements
75/25Varies depending on emergencyVaries depending on emergencyLINK
Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations ProgramDepartment of AgricultureThe WFPO Program provides technical and financial
assistance to States, local governments and Tribes
(project sponsors) to plan and implement authorized
watershed project plans.
Federal, state, local and tribal government sponsorship for projects up to 250,000 acres.Erosion and sediment control
Watershed protection
Flood prevention
Water quality Improvements
Rural, municipal and industrial water supply
Water management
Fish and wildlife habitat enhancement
Hydropower sources
VariesUp to $5 millionLINK
Economic Adjustment AssistanceUS Economic Development Administration-
Department of Commerce
Annually available supplemental funding to assist distressed communities nationwide with a wide variety of economic needs including disaster recoveryState, Local and tribal government, nonprofits, some other eligible entitiesDisaster recovery and economic resiliency programs, post- disaster strategic planning, infrastructure development and key business assistance.Varies by programVaries by programVaries by programLINK
Overflow and Stormwater GrantsEnvironmental Protection AgencyProvides funding for critical stormwater infrastructure projects in communities including combined sewer overflows and sanitary sewer overflows.States, territoriesInstallation of separate sanitary and storm sewers; infiltration/inflow correction; stormwater collection systems; Green Infrastructure; or other capital projects the mitigate sewer overflows or stormwater concerns80/20LINK
Environmental Justice GrantsEnvironmental Protection AgencySupports community-driven projects designed to engage, educate, and empower communities to better understand local environmental and public health issues and develop strategies for addressing those issues, building consensus in the community, and setting community priorities.Non-profit organizations, us territories, tribal governments and organizationsProjects must be associated with at least one qualified environmental statue. Project emphasis areas include water quality, stormwater and green infrastructure, emergency preparedness and disaster resiliency, and environmental education.No match requiredMay/JuneLINK
Climate Resilience Regional ChallengeNOAACollaborative projects that increase the resilience of coastal communities to extreme weather and other impacts of climate change. Projects will address risk reduction and regional collaboration and equity, and build enduring capacity for adaptation.Coastal states and tribes, ctities and other subdivisions of government, institutions of higher education, NGOs.Two tracks- (1) Collaborative Building and Strategy Development and (2)Implementation of resilience and Adaptation Actions Must address risk reduction, enduring capacity, equity and inclusion.No match requiredTrack 1: $500,000 - $2 million
Track 2: $15 -75 million
August- required letters of intent. February application dueLINK

 

State Grant Programs

FUNDING PROGRAMFUNDING AGENCY / PARTNERSDESCRIPTIONELIGIBLE APPLICANTSELIGIBLE PROJECTSCOST SHARE (% federal / % non-federal)AWARD RANGEAPPLICATION TIMINGWEB ADDRESS
319 Water Quality programsState Departments of Natural Resources or Environmental ProtectionNonpoint Source Implementation Grants fund the implementation of projects that reduce pollution and improve water quality, following a watershed-based planLocal government regional and State agencies; authorities/utilities (e.g. sewer, water); regional commissions; resource conservation
councils; local school systems and State universities
Project that implements part or all of a watershed plan. Best management practices (BMPs). Need to identify pollutant and measurable improvement.60/40Varies by stateMarch/April application Summer/fall award and begin projectsNorth Carolina: LINK

South Carolina: LINK

Georgia: LINK

Florida: LINK

Alabama: LINK

Mississippi: LINK
Coastal Incentive Grants (GA)Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources DivisionGrants to address local and regional coastal resource protection priorities, balance economic development while protecting natural and cultural resources and support research in areas of specific coastal management needs.Local government in the 11 coastal county service area, state affiliated research and educational institutions and regional and state agencies.Research, Planning, Education/outreach, and Construction/ Acquisition projects addressing oceans and wetlands issues, coastal resilience, non-point source pollution, public access and land conservation.50/50up to $80,000 per yearPre-application December, full application February, notify April, start OctoberLINK
North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NC)North Carolina Division of Land And Water StewardshipGrants for land acquisition, restoration, innovative stormwater projects and planning to improve water quality, sustain diversity and protect historic sites and military installations.Local government, state agencies, and non-profit corporation with a conservation purposeLand acquisition, restoration including living shoreline projects, planning projects, innovative stormwater research projectsNo matching requiredFebruary application dueLINK
Resilient Florida Program Grants:

Statewide Flooding and Sea level Rise Resilience Plan State Funded Grants
Florida Department of Environmental ProtectionGrants to address the impacts of flooding and sea level rise that the state faces, eligible applicants may receive funding assistance to analyze and plan for vulnerabilities, as well as implement projects for adaptation and mitigation.
Cities, Counties and other eligible entities identified in the statue.Implementation projects that address risks of flooding or sea level rise identified in a vulnerability assessment that meet the requirements of Section 380.093(3), F.S.50% cost share, unless qualified as a financially disadvantaged communityJuly 1st – September 1st​LINK
Planning GrantsFlorida Department of Environmental ProtectionGrants to address the impacts of flooding and sea level rise that the state faces, eligible applicants may receive funding assistance to analyze and plan for vulnerabilities, as well as implement projects for adaptation and mitigation.
Cities, Counties and municipalities.Vulnerability assessments; Adaptation plans; Resilience planning; Peril of Flood compliance; Comprehensive Plan amendments; Projects to adapt critical assets to the effects of flooding and sea level rise.No cost share requirementJuly 1st – September 1st​LINK
Coastal Partnership Initiative Grant ProgramFlorida Department of Environmental ProtectionGrants to build resilient communities, protect coastal resources, public access and working waterfronts.Public colleges/ universities, regional planning councils, national estuary programs and nonprofit groups also may apply for funds if an eligible local government agrees to participate as a partner.Vulnerability assessments; Resilience planning, restoring wetlands, community-based projects like coastal clean-ups and invasive plant control, nature trails, boat/kayak launches, information kiosks, and other small construction projects.50/50 cash or in kind, non-federalDepends on federal appropriation.NovemberLINK

 

State-based Finance Programs

FUNDING PROGRAMFUNDING AGENCY / PARTNERSDESCRIPTIONELIGIBLE APPLICANTSELIGIBLE PROJECTSAPPLICATION TIMINGWEB ADDRESS
Clean water state revolving fundGeorgia Environmental Finance AuthorityLow interest loans to support local water resource management, such as water and sewer financing.Local governments, districts, state authorities or other political subdivisions.Low interest loans, debt purchase or refinance, and subsidies for a wide range of water infrastructure projects including stormwater, green infrastructure, waste water and watershed projects.Quarterly – March 1, June 1, September 1 and November 1LINK
Mississippi Water Pollution Control (Clean Water) Revolving Loan Fund (WPCRLF) ProgramMississippi Department of Environmental QualityLow interest loans to support local water resource management, such as water and sewer financing.
Small/low income communities may qualify for subsidy (“principal forgiveness”)
Local governments, districts, state authorities or other political subdivisions.Low interest loans, debt purchase or refinance, and subsidies for a wide range of water infrastructure projects including stormwater, green infrastructure waste water and watershed projects.Quarterly deadlinesLINK
Alabama State Revolving FundAlabama Department of Environmental ManagementLow interest loans to support local water resource management, such as water and sewer financing.Public bodies including counties, state agencies, incorporated cities and towns, boards and authorities.Low interest loans, debt purchase or refinance, Guarantees or insurance, and subsidies for a wide range of water infrastructure projects including stormwater, green infrastructure waste water and watershed projects.Preapplications accepted on a rolling basisLINK
Florida State Revolving FundFlorida Department of Environmental ProtectionLow-interest loans for planning, designing and constructing water pollution control facilities. Small, disadvantaged communities may also be eligible for grants to reduce loan amount.Local governments, districts, state authorities or other political subdivisions.Low interest loans, debt purchase or refinance, and subsidies for a wide range of water infrastructure projects including stormwater, green infrastructure waste water and watershed projects.Applications accepted on a rolling basisLINK
South Carolina State Revolving Fund ProgramSouth Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and the SC Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA), Office of Local Government
(OLG)
Low-interest loans for building or repair to wastewater collection and treatment and stormwater quality improvement projects.Municipalities, counties, and special purpose districtsLow interest loans, debt purchase or refinance, and subsidies for water infrastructure projects including and stormwater, waste water.Applications accepted on a rolling basisLINK
North Carolina Clean Water State Revolving FundNorth Carolina Department of Environmental QualityLow-interest loans for building or repair to wastewater collection and treatment and stormwater quality improvement projects.Local Government Units (counties, cities, towns, sanitary districts, etc.)Low-interest loans, principal forgiveness loans and 0% loans for wastewater collection and treatment, reclaimed water, or stormwater BMP, stream restoration and energy efficiency at treatment works.Twice a year, March and SeptemberLINK

 

Other resources to search for funding:

  • REPI Resilience Project Funding Guide – The purpose of this Resilience Project Funding Guide is to share information on available complementary federal and non-federal resilience programs.
  • Nature-Based Solutions Funding Database – National Wildlife Federation’s interactive database for communities interested in pursuing federal funding and/or technical assistance for nature-based solutions.
  • Recovery and Resilience Resource Library – Developed by FEMA in collaboration with our federal interagency partners to navigate the numerous programs available to the United States and its territories to help recover from a disaster.
  • Inflation Reduction Act Tracker – The Environmental Defense Fund partnered with Columbia Law School’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law to create a database and progress tracker for all climate change-related provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), along with valuable information about programs, protections, incentives, and tax credits.
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