natural hazards

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for fiscal year 2025 Clean Water Section 319 grants.  Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act (Section 319) is a Federal program to control nonpoint sources (NPS) of water pollution.  Connecticut receives funds from EPA for Section 319 grants that can be passed onto communities, local conservation groups, and other organizations for NPS implementation projects, plans, and statewide NPS management efforts.

Connecticut’s Severe Weather Mitigation and Resiliency Advisory Council was created to help the state better prepare for the growing risks of hurricanes, flooding, and other severe weather events. According to the Council and the CT Insurance Department, many Connecticut homes especially older buildings or houses in coastal and urban areas are highly vulnerable to wind and flood damage. The Council’s final report explains that severe weather is becoming more expensive for families, and many residents lack the insurance or financial resources to recover after storms. To address this, the Council recommends strengthening partnerships with programs like Energize CT, Habitat for Humanity, and the CT Green Bank, and promoting upgrades such as IBHS Fortified™ roofs, which can reduce damage from high winds. They also emphasize the need for public education about flood risk, insurance awareness, and preparedness, along with long-term actions like statewide grant programs, tax credits, and expanded training for contractors and evaluators. Together, these efforts aim to help Connecticut residents protect their homes, reduce storm damage, and build a safer, more resilient future.

You can view the complete Final Report (2025) in PDF format