Resources for
Federal Agency
Guidance Tool
A Guide to Resilience Planning for Long Island Sound Communities
Use the PERSISTS criteria included in this guide and worksheet to help identify, prioritize, and implement high-impact projects. These criteria serve as a guide for LIS communities to move projects from idea to implementation – they will help you identify & prioritize sustainable and resilient projects that advance the goals of the Long Island Sound Partnership Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. The guiding questions in the sections below are intended to help you think through each of the eight criteria. Not all of the guiding questions below will be applicable to every project type. The questions and criteria are not listed in order of importance or priority. Each guiding question will not be applicable to every project type, so it is recommended that you consider all the criteria equally and as appropriate for your project.
Guidance Tool
A Guide to Resilience Planning for Long Island Sound Communities
Use the PERSISTS criteria included in this guide and worksheet to help identify, prioritize, and implement high-impact projects. These criteria serve as a guide for LIS communities to move projects from idea to implementation – they will help you identify & prioritize sustainable and resilient projects that advance the goals of the Long Island Sound Partnership Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. The guiding questions in the sections below are intended to help you think through each of the eight criteria. Not all of the guiding questions below will be applicable to every project type. The questions and criteria are not listed in order of importance or priority. Each guiding question will not be applicable to every project type, so it is recommended that you consider all the criteria equally and as appropriate for your project.
Events
UConn CLEAR Webinar
This UConn CLEAR webinar provides an updated overview of Connecticut’s ongoing statewide Lidar and orthoimagery project. Dewberry’s technical team will introduce the data products generated from the 2023 acquisition and explain how these datasets are being used across environmental planning, land management, infrastructure mapping, and community decision-making. The session is designed to help participants understand the value of high resolution elevation and imagery data and how these resources support public agencies, researchers, and local communities.
The webinar will also look ahead to the 2026 phase of the project, offering insight into expected updates, new deliverables, and potential applications for longterm statewide planning. Attendees will gain a stronger understanding of how Lidar and orthoimagery fit into Connecticut’s geospatial data strategy and how these datasets can support climate resilience, hazard mapping, and improved environmental analysis. This session is open to anyone interested in GIS, remote sensing, or the state’s evolving geospatial data resources.
Events
UConn CLEAR Webinar
This UConn CLEAR webinar provides an updated overview of Connecticut’s ongoing statewide Lidar and orthoimagery project. Dewberry’s technical team will introduce the data products generated from the 2023 acquisition and explain how these datasets are being used across environmental planning, land management, infrastructure mapping, and community decision-making. The session is designed to help participants understand the value of high resolution elevation and imagery data and how these resources support public agencies, researchers, and local communities.
The webinar will also look ahead to the 2026 phase of the project, offering insight into expected updates, new deliverables, and potential applications for longterm statewide planning. Attendees will gain a stronger understanding of how Lidar and orthoimagery fit into Connecticut’s geospatial data strategy and how these datasets can support climate resilience, hazard mapping, and improved environmental analysis. This session is open to anyone interested in GIS, remote sensing, or the state’s evolving geospatial data resources.
$1.5 million
The Long Island Sound Eelgrass Restoration Program RFP
NEIWPCC, in cooperation with the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) National Estuary Program and its partners, is inviting proposals to develop and initiate a long-term and large-scale eelgrass seed dispersal restoration program. Eelgrass meadows are identified as a priority habitat for conservation and restoration in the LISS Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for their wide-ranging ecosystem benefits.
The purpose of this program is to advance the restoration of eelgrass meadow habitat in Long Island Sound by employing a long-term, large-scale, and evidence-based approach that is adaptable in the face of a changing climate. The program aims to increase eelgrass meadow extent and density by expanding acreage adjacent to well-established meadows as well as explore establishing new meadows where suitability is high. A priority of the project is to increase gene flow and genetic diversity by using seeds from multiple populations in the restoration areas. Proposals should also incorporate capacity building efforts for seed-based restoration work by forging collaborative partnerships in both New York and Connecticut.
There is approximately $1,500,000 available for this project and it is anticipated that one successful project will be chosen. Applicants must submit proposals no later than 12 p.m. EST (noon) on February 14, 2025.
$1.5 million
The Long Island Sound Eelgrass Restoration Program RFP
NEIWPCC, in cooperation with the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) National Estuary Program and its partners, is inviting proposals to develop and initiate a long-term and large-scale eelgrass seed dispersal restoration program. Eelgrass meadows are identified as a priority habitat for conservation and restoration in the LISS Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for their wide-ranging ecosystem benefits.
The purpose of this program is to advance the restoration of eelgrass meadow habitat in Long Island Sound by employing a long-term, large-scale, and evidence-based approach that is adaptable in the face of a changing climate. The program aims to increase eelgrass meadow extent and density by expanding acreage adjacent to well-established meadows as well as explore establishing new meadows where suitability is high. A priority of the project is to increase gene flow and genetic diversity by using seeds from multiple populations in the restoration areas. Proposals should also incorporate capacity building efforts for seed-based restoration work by forging collaborative partnerships in both New York and Connecticut.
Funding
: Jul 24 – Oct 9, 2024
$100,000 - $1M
FY25 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Marine Debris Interception Technologies
The NOAA Marine Debris Program will award up to $7 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the installation of proven marine debris interception technologies, throughout the coastal United States, Great Lakes, territories, and Freely Associated States. Projects will focus on the installation, monitoring, and maintenance of proven marine debris interception technologies that will capture marine debris at or close to known marine debris sources or pathways.
Deadline is for Letters of Intent. Full Proposal Deadline: February 7, 2025. Full proposals will only be accepted from applicants that received an invitation to submit a full proposal following review of the letters of intent. Program priorities include: 1) Supporting the installation, monitoring, and maintenance of proven marine debris interception technologies to benefit NOAA trust resources; 2) Long-term monitoring and maintenance of devices through a comprehensive plan; 3) Preventing the reaccumulation of debris through complementary and targeted marine debris prevention activities; 4) Advance the principles of diversity, equity, justice, inclusion, and accessibility and install interception devices that will benefit local communities, especially those facing environmental/climate and socioeconomic burdens; 5) Demonstration of clear marine debris removal and disposal outcomes.
Funding
: Jul 24 – Oct 9, 2024
$100,000 - $1M
FY25 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Marine Debris Interception Technologies
The NOAA Marine Debris Program will award up to $7 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the installation of proven marine debris interception technologies, throughout the coastal United States, Great Lakes, territories, and Freely Associated States. Projects will focus on the installation, monitoring, and maintenance of proven marine debris interception technologies that will capture marine debris at or close to known marine debris sources or pathways.
Funding
: Jul 24 – Sep 27, 2024
$1M - $10M
FY25 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Marine Debris Removal
The NOAA Marine Debris Program will award up to $47 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the removal of large marine debris throughout the coastal United States, Great Lakes, territories, and Freely Associated States. These removal projects should focus on large marine debris, including abandoned and derelict vessels, derelict fishing gear, and other debris that is generally unable to be collected by hand.
Deadline is for Letters of Intent. Full Proposal Deadline: January 31, 2025. Full proposals will only be accepted from applicants that received an invitation to submit a full proposal following review of the letters of intent. Program priorities are: 1) Impactful, large marine debris removal activities to benefit NOAA trust resources; 2) Preventing the reaccumulation of debris through complementary and targeted marine debris prevention activities; 3) Advance the principles of diversity, equity, justice, inclusion, and accessibility in removal activities that will benefit local communities, especially Tribes and/or those facing environmental/climate and socioeconomic burdens.
Funding
: Jul 24 – Sep 27, 2024
$1M - $10M
FY25 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Marine Debris Removal
The NOAA Marine Debris Program will award up to $47 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the removal of large marine debris throughout the coastal United States, Great Lakes, territories, and Freely Associated States. These removal projects should focus on large marine debris, including abandoned and derelict vessels, derelict fishing gear, and other debris that is generally unable to be collected by hand.
Funding
: Sep 13 – Oct 27, 2023
$800,000 - $6M
NOAA FY24 Marine Debris Removal under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The NOAA Marine Debris Program will award up to $24 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the removal of large marine debris throughout the coastal United States, Great Lakes, territories, and Freely Associated States. These removal projects should focus on large marine debris, including abandoned and derelict vessels, derelict fishing gear, and other debris that is generally unable to be collected by hand.
Funding
: Sep 13 – Oct 27, 2023
$800,000 - $6M
NOAA FY24 Marine Debris Removal under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The NOAA Marine Debris Program will award up to $24 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the removal of large marine debris throughout the coastal United States, Great Lakes, territories, and Freely Associated States. These removal projects should focus on large marine debris, including abandoned and derelict vessels, derelict fishing gear, and other debris that is generally unable to be collected by hand.
Funding
: May 16 – Oct 12, 2023
Up to $250,000
North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Grants: U.S. Small
The U.S. Small Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds.
Wetland Restoration/Protection (includes acquisition)
Funding
: May 16 – Oct 12, 2023
Up to $250,000
North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Grants: U.S. Small
The U.S. Small Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds.
Min $100K for Planning Grants, $500K for Implementation
PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program
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.
There are four types of PROTECT grants: (1) Planning, (2) Resilience Improvement, (3) Community Resilience and Evacuation Route, and (4) At-Risk Coastal Infrastructure.
Min $100K for Planning Grants, $500K for Implementation
PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program
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.
Funding
: Feb 8 – Mar 27, 2023
$50,000 - $500,000
Wetland Program Development Grants
WPDGs assist state, tribal, local government agencies and interstate/intertribal entities in building programs to protect, manage and restore wetlands. WPDGs provide applicants an opportunity to develop and refine comprehensive state/tribal/local government wetland programs.
Funding
: Feb 8 – Mar 27, 2023
$50,000 - $500,000
Wetland Program Development Grants
WPDGs assist state, tribal, local government agencies and interstate/intertribal entities in building programs to protect, manage and restore wetlands. WPDGs provide applicants an opportunity to develop and refine comprehensive state/tribal/local government wetland programs.
$500-$2M; Awards typically around $50K
National Fish Passage Funds
The National Fish Passage Program is a voluntary program that provides direct technical and financial assistance to partners. Activities that restore fish passage also support the modernization of the country’s infrastructure such as road culverts, bridges and water diversions.
Example project types include dam removals, culvert replacements and the installation of fishways. FAC staff coordinate with project partners, stakeholders and other Service programs to identify and collaboratively implement projects within Regional priority areas. Project work plans are developed strategically, in coordination with partners, and with substantial involvement from FAC staff. FAC and Service strategic plans inform the types of projects funded under this opportunity. Applicants seeking funding under this program should review the program strategic plan and also contact the regional NFPP Coordinator that corresponds to the location of the project for additional regional priorities prior to submitting an application for funding.
$500-$2M; Awards typically around $50K
National Fish Passage Funds
The National Fish Passage Program is a voluntary program that provides direct technical and financial assistance to partners. Activities that restore fish passage also support the modernization of the country’s infrastructure such as road culverts, bridges and water diversions.
Funding
: Apr 19 – Jul 11, 2024
$250K-$3M
North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grants: U.S. Standard
The U.S. Standard Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds.
It is recommend that you contact the coordinator of the joint venture region in which your project is located early in the process for guidance on developing your project and proposal. Joint venture coordinators' prioritization of NAWCA proposals from their geographic region is a key element in the selection process.
Funding
: Apr 19 – Jul 11, 2024
$250K-$3M
North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grants: U.S. Standard
The U.S. Standard Grants Program is a competitive, matching grants program that supports public-private partnerships carrying out projects in the United States that further the goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). These projects must involve long-term protection, restoration, and/or enhancement of wetlands and associated uplands habitats for the benefit of all wetlands-associated migratory birds.