trails

The Community Grant Program invests in projects that create a clear public benefit for Connecticut’s ports, harbors, riverfronts, navigable waterways, and waterfront communities. Competitive projects pair a direct maritime connection with measurable results whether through public access, tourism, community activation, or planning for what comes next.

This report provides on guidance on ways to adapt the Shoreline Greenway Trail to the increasing frequencies of heavy rain, wildfires, hurricanes, flood events, and storm surges. The report defines what we mean by resilience for a trail in coastal Connecticut, identifies climate impacts facing the trail now, and in the years to come, shares design suggestions that could build resiliency on existing and new sections, and explores how the trail itself can be essential to wider community resiliency.

Created in 2014 by the National Park Service (NPS), the Land and Water Conservation Fund – Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program (LWCF-ORLP) Program is a nationally competitive grant program wherein states (in partnership with municipalities; Native American Tribes and Tribal Governments) can submit proposals for land acquisitions or improvements that will provide or significantly improve recreational opportunities in qualifying urban areas. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is the State’s lead agency for the program that will select and submit projects to the NPS’ national competition.

The Rooting Resilience Program will provide funding and technical assistance to community-based projects that build resilience and enhance communities’ abilities to plan and carry out forestry projects. This opportunity is available for projects located in federally designated disadvantaged communities, including urban, suburban, and rural communities in the United States and its territories. Special priority will be given to community-led groups that are seeking federal funding for the first time.

This program provides funding for a variety of transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities; construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas; community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; recreational trails; safe routes to school projects; and vulnerable road user safety assessments.