Extreme Weather & Storms

The USGS Compound Flooding map is an interactive tool developed by the U.S. Geological Survey’s New York Water Science Center that helps users explore the combined risk of multiple flooding drivers across the New York and Long Island coastal region, including Long Island Sound watersheds. Compound flooding refers to flooding that happens when more than one type of water hazard occurs at the same time for example, heavy rainfall, high tides or storm surge, and rising groundwater which can lead to more severe and widespread inundation than from any single cause alone. This type of flooding is increasingly relevant as sea level rise and intense storms interact with land and groundwater conditions. 

The map visually displays hazard rankings and spatial patterns of flood drivers so that planners, emergency managers, researchers, and the public can better understand where overlapping flood risks are most significant. It supports local decision making for flood mitigation, coastal planning, and resilience strategies by showing how precipitation, coastal flooding, and groundwater emergence can coincide to create elevated threat levels. The site is grounded in ongoing USGS research into regional flood processes and compound flood hazards, with data useful for watershed planning, infrastructure assessment, and risk communication

The NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP), housed at the Hudson River Foundation, is offering funding to help local governments and nonprofit organizations strengthen community resilience to recurring extreme weather across the Hudson Raritan Estuary watershed. This Request for Proposals supports projects that advance research, planning, and on the ground infrastructure aimed at reducing climate driven risks such as flooding, storm impacts, and related water quality challenges. A total of $350,000 will be distributed across approximately four to six grants for projects that can be completed by June 30, 2027.

Eligible applicants must be local governments or nonprofits located in or directly serving communities within the Hudson Raritan Estuary region and aligned with HEP’s 2025-2035 Action Agenda. Priority is given to efforts that deliver tangible community benefits, including preparedness and adaptation planning, nature based or green infrastructure, and strategies that address environmental justice and vulnerable populations. Letters of Inquiry are due February 12, 2026 via ProposalCentral, with selected applicants invited to submit full proposals afterward.

This virtual webinar hosted by UConn’s Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) will feature Chris Renshaw, UConn Fire Chief, and Emily Wilson, a Geospatial Educator at CLEAR. This session will focus on increasing wildfire risks in Connecticut and how environmental conditions, climate change, forest health, and development patterns are combining to create heightened wildfire vulnerability across the state.

The speakers will explore Connecticut’s wildfire ecology, recent brush fires, and the role of changing weather patterns and housing density in wildfire spread. Participants will be introduced to an interactive Wildfire in Connecticut Story Map and the CT Wildland Urban Interface/Intermix Viewer through CT ECO, which highlight overlapping risk factors and support planning and prevention efforts. This training is intended for land managers, fire service personnel, elected officials, community planners, and residents seeking to better understand wildfire risks and proactive strategies to protect Connecticut communities.

Check out our interactive map to learn about living shoreline projects located in the marine district of New York. 

More information about living shorelines and their benefits can be found on the NYSDEC Living Shorelines webpage.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team held our 2025 Annual Workshop virtually as three sessions over two days. Session topics focused on resources and tools available to help take advantage of state resilience funds, a panel discussion on why and how to incorporate nature-based solutions into resilience planning, and an overview of our available assistance programs.

Session 3 – LIS Resilience Planning Support Program: New Round Available & Showcase of Completed Projects was held on Friday, December 5, 2025. Participants learned about the newly available 3rd round of the LIS Resilience Planning Support Program and heard from three communities who received awards through the first round of the Program. Video of the session along with supporting materials is available below.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team held our 2025 Annual Workshop virtually as three sessions over two days. Session topics focused on resources and tools available to help take advantage of state resilience funds, a panel discussion on why and how to incorporate nature-based solutions into resilience planning, and an overview of our available assistance programs.

Session 2 – Using Nature-Based Solutions for Resilience: A Panel Discussion on Common Challenges & Strategies for Success was held on Thursday, December 4, 2025. In this interactive session, practitioners and experts discussed techniques for integrating nature-based solutions into resilience initiatives. The panel highlighted common challenges and shared successful strategies from projects in the Long Island Sound region. Video of the session along with supporting materials is available below.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team held our 2025 Annual Workshop virtually as three sessions over two days. Session topics focused on resources and tools available to help take advantage of state resilience funds, a panel discussion on why and how to incorporate nature-based solutions into resilience planning, and an overview of our available assistance programs.

Session 1 – Resilience 101: Helpful Tools and Strategies for Building Community Resilience was held on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Participants learned about available resilience resources and tools and then moved into breakout rooms to hear about state climate certification programs and resilience funds in both NY and CT. Videos of the main session and both breakout rooms are available below, along with supporting materials.

The NYC Stormwater Flood Maps show areas in New York City that are at risk of flooding during heavy rain. The tool provides interactive maps that let users explore neighborhood-level flood risk and understand how stormwater might affect streets, homes, and critical infrastructure. It helps residents, planners, and local organizations identify vulnerable areas and make decisions about preparedness, emergency planning, and long-term resilience.

These maps also bring together important environmental and social data, making it easier to compare neighborhoods, see patterns, and understand which communities may face the greatest challenges during extreme weather.

The NYC Flood Hazard Mapper is an interactive tool created by the NYC Department of City Planning to help residents, businesses, and planners understand flood risks across New York City. It provides maps showing current coastal flood hazards, FEMA flood zones, and areas that may be affected by sea level rise in the future. By searching an address or exploring different map layers, users can see how flooding may impact specific neighborhoods today and under future climate conditions.

This resource is designed to support safer decision making as the frequency and severity of flooding increases. While the mapper offers valuable visual data and projections, it is meant for general information only and should not replace official FEMA resources or professional guidance. Users are encouraged to use this tool as a starting point to learn about local flood exposure and to explore how environmental changes may affect communities throughout the city.

The Atlas of Inspiration is a national database that highlights real projects helping communities adapt to extreme weather, flooding, heat, and sea-level rise. It showcases innovative infrastructure, planning strategies, and funding approaches that can be adapted or scaled by other communities. The Atlas is designed to celebrate successful ideas and give decision-makers examples they can use when seeking state or federal funding.

The Atlas is fully searchable, allowing users to browse projects by type, climate hazard, or location. It builds on Rebuild by Design’s earlier work including the Atlas of Disaster and the Atlas of Accountability by showing not only the risks communities face, but the solutions that are already making a difference.

Rebuild by Design also invites communities to share their own climate resilience projects for inclusion in the Atlas. Submissions help expand the collection and highlight new approaches being used across the country.

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

The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) provides funding, expertise, training, and other resources to help communities advance climate resilience plans and projects, with a focus on frontline and climate-vulnerable communities. Funding supports activities such as risk and vulnerability assessments, community engagement, project prioritization, and early implementation actions.

Applicants must apply as a partnership that includes a community-based organization, a local, regional, or Tribal government entity, and an adaptation practitioner. Communities without an established practitioner may access the Registry of Adaptation Practitioners to identify partners.

An informational webinar will be held on November 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET. Program details are available at climatesmartcommunity.org

Explore a range of tools and guidance to support climate adaptation planning through EPA New England’s Resilience and Adaptation in New England (RAINE) initiative, which supports users in exploring climate resilience planning across the New England. These resources include more than 1,200 climate adaptation plans. Practitioners can use the Featured Locations Interactive Map to view climate action examples or explore additional climate visualization platforms through the Mapping Climate Change Impacts Tools page. The database also highlights Tribal Climate Adaptation Resources, featuring plans from federally recognized tribes in New England. Users can view recorded webinars and trainings for technical guidance.

LIS Resilience Planning Support Program: New Round Available & Showcase of Completed Projects

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities Team is excited to announce that for our 2025 Annual Workshop we are holding a series of three virtual sessions over two days focused on resources and tools available to help in taking advantage of state resilience funds, a panel discussion on why and how to incorporate nature-based solutions into resilience planning, and an overview of our available assistance programs.

Join us on Friday, December 5 from 10-11:30 AM to learn about the Long Island Sound Resilience Planning Support Program. This assistance opportunity has been available to communities on a yearly basis since Fall 2023, and the next round will open on December 1, 2025 – so this is your chance to get all the details! This session will also feature communities who received support through the first round, who will share about their experience and planned next steps.

More information, including panelist bios, will be provided to all registrants closer to the Workshop.

Using Nature-Based Solutions for Resilience: A Panel Discussion on Common Challenges & Strategies for Success

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities Team is excited to announce that for our 2025 Annual Workshop we are holding a series of three virtual sessions over two days focused on resources and tools available to help in taking advantage of state resilience funds, a panel discussion on why and how to incorporate nature-based solutions into resilience planning, and an overview of our available assistance programs.

Join us on Thursday, December 4 from 1-3 PM to learn why and how to incorporate nature-based solutions into resilience planning and projects. This interactive session will feature communities and practitioners who have encountered challenges and found success using nature-based solutions in the Long Island Sound region.

More information, including panelist bios, will be provided to all registrants closer to the Workshop.

Resilience 101: Helpful Tools & Strategies for Building Community Resilience

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities Team is excited to announce that for our 2025 Annual Workshop we are holding a series of three virtual sessions over two days focused on resources and tools available to help in taking advantage of state resilience funds, a panel discussion on why and how to incorporate nature-based solutions into resilience planning, and an overview of our available assistance programs.

Join us on Thursday, December 4 from 10 AM-12 PM to learn more about resilience planning basics, including local climate impacts and projections, state climate certification programs, and available tools & resources.

More information, including panelist bios, will be provided to all registrants closer to the Workshop.

Search your city or state to learn the many ways a warming world is affecting your place now.

Explore these pages to learn how people in your local area are at risk in a warming world.

Find local data regarding temperatures, precipitation, sea level rise, storms, and more.

Browse climate-related graphics for all seasons localized for your area, that are available for download.

Developed by the NOAA National Weather Service Office of Water Prediction, NOAA Atlas 14 provides estimates of expected precipitation depth or intensity in a selected location, given a storm event’s duration and recurrence interval. NOAA Atlas 15 is currently under development and will refine the current dataset and expand upon by providing future projections (this version likely won’t be ready for use in our area until at least 2026, but stay tuned for updates!).

On October 16, 2025, the Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) team of the Long Island Sound Partnership hosted a field trip featuring the Dodge Paddock and Beal Preserve Marsh Restoration Project in Stonington Borough. The day started with a presentation outlining the history and current state of the site, followed by a walk to Dodge Paddock and Beal Preserve where there was a guided tour led by Connecticut Sea Grant, Avalonia Land Conservancy, and local volunteers. The day included a deep dive into the invasive species removal process, plantings to accommodate marsh migration, and a close up look at what has grown since then. Special thanks to our partners with Avalonia Land Conservancy, Connecticut Sea Grant, and the Stonington Community.

On October 8, 2025 state and local decision makers, municipal staff, and other interested parties working to address flooding, shoreline erosion and other coastal issues gathered at the Port Jefferson Village Center in Port Jefferson, NY for the 3rd Annual Suffolk County Coastal Resilience Forum. The Forum provided a chance to share information on best practices, discuss challenges, identify opportunities to increase resilience, and enhance coordination across communities. Forum attendees heard updates on State resilience initiatives from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, as well as presentations on new resilience tools and resources from Seatuck Environmental Association, the U.S. Geological Survey, New York Sea Grant, and Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District. In the afternoon, Village of Port Jefferson Mayor, Lauren Sheprow, presented on the Village’s resilience issues and initiatives and then led attendees on a walking tour of the Village highlighting flooding hotspots, challenges faced by local businesses and residents, and efforts to help mitigate flooding and increase community resilience.

The event was hosted by Long Island Sound Partnership and New York Sea Grant, in partnership with the Village of Port Jefferson and Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District. 

Connecticut Insurance Department CID, in Collaboration with First Street Foundation, provides climate related risk mapping tool for Connecticut residents.  This tool allows users to search Connecticut property addresses to view maps and reports that provide detailed property-specific climate risk assessments, particularly for flood, wildfire, extreme heat, and hurricane wind hazards. This free risk mapping tool allows homeowners, home buyers, small-business owners, and community leaders to identify the risks using state-of-the-art climate risk mapping technology.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is accepting applications for the next round of the DEEP Climate Resilience Fund (DCRF). DEEP is making available up to $44 million in state and federal funds to support planning, project advancement, and construction to help Connecticut’s communities build resilience to extreme weather. The current Notice of Funding Opportunity opens the next application period for Planning (resilience planning) and Advancement (project design) and introduces a Deployment (project implementation) category that includes an expanded matching funds program and a Request for Proposals for the construction of energy resilience infrastructure.

CT DEEP is convening Sustainability & Resiliency Week, an initiative designed to bring together State agencies, external partners, and individuals to celebrate the work being done across Connecticut. A variety of organizations are holding workshops, panel discussions, academic lectures, and more. To stay informed and get involved: 

Sign Up for Updates: Subscribe to the newsletter for featured events and special announcements related to the week. 

Visit the Events Page: Keep an eye on the dedicated events page (linked below) for the latest updates and schedules. This page has detailed information and registration for all the activities taking place throughout the week. 

The Connecticut Association of Flood Managers (CAFM) will convene its 12th Annual Conference and Meeting at the Central Connecticut State University Student Center in New Britain, Connecticut on Thursday, November 20, 2025. A cornerstone of CAFM’s mission is to educate a broad range of professionals regarding recent flooding concerns and other issues and problems associated with managing flood risk, making communities more resilient, disaster recovery, and the protection of floodplains. Our goal for this conference is to examine the current challenges facing Connecticut and share experiences and lessons learned as flood managers and municipal officials.

Save the Date – Registration coming soon!

CT DEEP recently released a new tool allowing users to search for DEEP financial assistance programs based on a variety of parameters such as eligibility requirements, grant cycle status, project types, and more. This resource and offers “one-stop shopping” for many DEEP funding opportunities.

The Funders Network (TFN) has launched a new pilot funding opportunity that will leverage infrastructure funds to train and expand career pathways for local workers in critical industries. The Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative is aimed at supporting communities with investments and technical expertise to effectively implement equitable infrastructure projects. This funding is not for the physical infrastructure itself, but for the human infrastructure needed to create meaningful collaborations and center community engagement.

National Geographic Society is seeking to fund impactful projects driving science-based solutions to the growing threat of extreme weather events and natural hazards such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornados, droughts, floods, heatwaves and severe storms. Projects should aim to increase adaptability and resilience to these events and demonstrate tangible positive impacts on people and nature. Successful projects will demonstrate sufficient engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure that project development and implementation are carried out for at-risk human communities and natural systems. Proposals for both new and ongoing projects will be considered. We encourage projects in regions most vulnerable to extreme weather events and natural hazards, as well as regions that currently have limited capacity for research and implementation.

Restore America’s Estuaries is excited to announce the third round of funding for the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund. Up to $1,200,000 in competitive funding will be awarded to support projects in New York and Connecticut in 2026. The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is a partnership among Restore America’s Estuaries, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Long Island Sound Partnership. The purpose of LISCIF is to provide technical and financial assistance to communities for addressing environmental issues and to improve the quality and accessibility of the Long Island Sound.

New York State Homes and Community Renewal has expanded the Resilient Retrofit program and will make available a combination of low-interest loans and grants to low and moderate income single-family homeowners whose homes are located in flood-prone areas or have been damaged due to heavy rainfall, enabling them to render their homes more resilient to flood damage and if, desired, to decrease their greenhouse gas emission consumption by improving the energy efficiency of the home and/or electrification of the home’s heating and cooling systems.   

Home retrofit scopes may include closing off living-space below the base-flood elevation (BFE), adding better insulation to the envelope, installing high-efficient fixtures and appliances, and replacing aged, fossil fuel combustion heating and cooling systems with electric cold climate heat pumps and raising all mechanicals above the BFE. Onsite generation paired with these measures, such as solar panels or battery back with battery back-up may also be included. 

Who is eligible:

• – Owner-occupied, 1-4 unit buildings.
• – Low to moderate income (120% of area median).

Projects can include:

• – Repairing Flood Damage
• – Floodproofing Interior Systems
• – Elevating Electrical Equipment
• – Improvements:
  • – High-efficiency windows

• – Insulation to walls and/or ceilings

Join Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE) for the 2025 Living Shorelines Tech Transfer Workshop taking place from October 29 – 30 in New Haven, Connecticut. This event, hosted by Restore America’s Estuaries and Doherty Climate and Resilience Institute at Save the Sound, will present a unique platform to learn, engage, and exchange knowledge with professionals, experts, and stakeholders in the field of coastal and estuarine habitat restoration. Our focus will be on Living Shorelines – an innovative and nature-based solution to shoreline stabilization and ecosystem conservation.

Join us at the Long Island Sound Suffolk County Coastal Resilience Forum for an opportunity to connect, learn and be inspired! 

Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (rain or shine)

Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Location: Port Jefferson Village Center (101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson , NY 11777)

Register by September 30. Contact elizabeth.hornstein@cornell.edu for more information. 

This forum will bring together state and local decision makers, municipal staff, and other interested parties working to address coastal issues to share information on best practices, identify opportunities to increase resilience, and enhance coordination across communities. Participants will hear from NY state, regional, and local partners about resilience initiatives and learn about new tools and resources. We will end the forum with a walking tour of Port Jefferson Village to hear about the Village’s resilience initiatives, successes, and challenges.

View the DRAFT AGENDA.

The event is free. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. 

Please note, most parking lots in the Village have metered parking. We can reimburse travel expenses and parking fees, up to $150/person (for those that do not have travel budgets through their employers) on a first come first serve basis. 

This event is hosted by Long Island Sound Partnership and New York Sea Grant, in partnership with Nassau & Suffolk Soil and Water Conservation District.  

*The event is intended as a learning experience for adults 18 years of age or older. 

Click here to register for the Nassau County Coastal Resilience Forum (October 9, 2025) or other events happening during Long Island Sound Coastal Resilience Month! 

2025 Nassau Coastal Resilience Forum field trip to Sands Point Preserve. Credit: Sumayyah Uddin / NYSG

On October 9, 2025 state and local decision makers, municipal staff, and other interested parties working to address flooding, shoreline erosion and other coastal issues gathered at the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy in Sands Point, NY for the 3rd Annual Nassau County Coastal Resilience Forum. The Forum provided a chance to share information on best practices, discuss challenges, identify opportunities to increase resilience, and enhance coordination across communities. Forum attendees heard updates on State resilience initiatives from agencies like the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, as well as presentations on new resilience tools and resources from Seatuck Environmental Association, the U.S. Geological Survey, New York Sea Grant, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County, and Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District. In the afternoon, Forum attendees were given a guided tour of the recent expansions to the bluff stabilization project at the Preserve.

The event was hosted by Long Island Sound Partnership and New York Sea Grant, in partnership with the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy and Nassau and Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation Districts. 

This website contains New York City’s Federal Emergency Management Agency–mandated Hazard Mitigation Plan, which identifies natural hazard risks and vulnerabilities that are common to New York City (NYC) and long-term strategies for reducing them. It also features a Mitigation Actions Database and Map that tracks and records actions that are taken to mitigate risk from the hazards profiled in the Hazard Mitigation Plan.​

The CO2 Foundation funds innovative smaller-scale projects that can accomplish a lot in a short timeframe, which might otherwise fall through the cracks. They seek proposals to support timely interventions for extreme weather and/or prepare communities for the impacts of a rapidly changing climate system.

This interactive map published by the CTDOT in March 2025 allows users to view data layers that make up the state-owned and maintained drainage network across Connecticut. Culvert locations are included, as well as their water source, material components, type of conveyance, diameter, length, last inspection date, and maintenance information. Note that an ArcGIS login is required to access this resource.

This fact sheet produced by the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) reviews how culverts are defined in Connecticut, explains their connection to climate resilience, provides examples of how Connecticut towns are addressing needs for upgraded culverts, and highlights related resources.

The Long Island Sound Study will host a series of public meetings to discuss and finalize the Stewardship Strategy. The Strategy aims to provide a framework in support of the 33 Stewardship Areas of the Initiative. The draft of the Strategy will be shared for public comment March 10 – May 9. View the Draft Strategy here. Comments can be submitted to Cayla Sullivan at Sullivan.Cayla@epa.gov.

The last meeting in the series will be held on June 4th 11 am – 1 pm and will summarize the input and ideas for advancing the Stewardship Strategy!

This competitive grant program through the NYS Environmental Facilities Cooperation is designed to support flood-prone communities in implementing transformative green infrastructure projects that combat the effects of extreme weather. Eligible projects must utilize green infrastructure (GI) stormwater management practices (SMPs) and/or nature-based solutions to manage combined and/or sanitary sewer overflows and/or mitigate risks associated with extreme weather events.

The 2^nd Annual Learning Exchange will bring together current and new grant recipients to highlight completed projects benefiting the Long Island Sound estuary. Organizations will share their work, challenges, and successes via breakout sessions. Attendees will also have opportunities to participate in workshops, network, strengthen ties, and build community. This annual event aims to be a knowledge and tech share of projects within a collaborative framework.

The Target Audience includes:

• 2024 and 2025 Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund Subawardees

• Tribal Groups, Organizations, Institutions, and Municipalities located in Connecticut and New York focused on environmental projects in the Long Island Sound estuary
• Coastal conservation, restoration professionals, students, and early career professionals working in environmentally distressed communities

A product of Climate Central’s Sea Level Program, Coastal Risk Finder allows users to get local flood projections, understand who and what is at risk in their communities, and learn about solutions for coastal states, counties, cities, towns, congressional districts, and state legislative districts in the contiguous U.S., with more to come. Users can download data and graphics to further their local adaptation and communication efforts related to coastal flooding. Coastal Risk Finder includes detailed briefs on adaptation efforts in coastal states and territories, providing insights into policies, projects, and key organizations working to mitigate flood risks. By highlighting actionable solutions, we aim to empower communities with the knowledge and tools needed to address coastal flooding challenges.

The accompanying User Guides highlight the most useful features and provide guidance on using the tool for specific applications. A recording of the Launch Webinar featuring expert insights is also available.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) is a national program focused on reducing risks to coastal communities. The NCRF is now soliciting pre-proposals for projects that will create and/or restore natural systems in order to increase protection for communities from coastal hazards, such as storms, sea- and lake-level changes, inundation, and coastal erosion, while improving habitats for fish and wildlife species.

The Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program is authorized under Section 205 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide capitalization grants to states, eligible federally recognized tribes, territories and the District of Columbia to establish revolving loan funds that provide hazard mitigation assistance for local governments to reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters.

These low interest loans will allow jurisdictions to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters, foster greater community resilience and reduce disaster suffering.

This grant opportunity is open to municipalities and non-governmental organizations interested in partnering with SCSWCD to implement a variety of projects focused on improving Suffolk County and its environment. These projects focus on revitalizing and protecting Long Islands ecosystems, waterbodies, ground water and habitats. The goal of this grant is to attract new partners to develop and implement innovative and sustainable solutions for environmental issues.

Through New York State’s Clean Energy, Clean Water & Green Jobs Bond Act, the Department of State (DOS) is making $15 million available for implementation projects that improve waterfront and watershed resiliency and reduce climate impacts, particularly flooding. Projects should implement a complete or substantially complete LWRP or a complete or substantially complete relevant LWRP Component (including a watershed management plan funded by Department of State). The program prioritizes projects using natural solutions to enhance community resilience while also delivering environmental, economic and social benefits. Eligible applicants are: 1) A village, town, or city located along New York’s coasts or inland waterways 2) A county with the consent and acting on behalf of one or more eligible villages, towns or cities.

Through New York State’s Clean Energy, Clean Water & Green Jobs Bond Act, the Department of State (DOS) is making $20 million available for habitat restoration, climate resiliency and risk reduction, and stormwater management projects located within the New York State Coastal areas, areas draining into the New York State Coastal area, and/or areas within the Coastal Nonpoint Source boundary (see map). Projects must be identified or implement goals outlined in state, regional, or local management plans/programs/studies. The program prioritizes projects using natural solutions to enhance community resilience while also delivering environmental, economic and social benefits. Eligible applicants include Municipalities (counties, cities, towns, villages, Indian Nations or Tribes recognized by the state or United States), Not-for-Profits, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and New York State Agencies and Authorities. Projects may include design and construction, or construction.

$45 million will be made available through the NYSDEC for the RWG Program. The program seeks to build on the success of the Resilient NY program and advance the State’s goal of strengthening water infrastructure and protecting New Yorkers from the impacts of extreme weather. The overall goal of the RWG program is to implement projects that build community resilience to extreme weather events, promote flood risk and ice jam reduction and/or restoration, enhance flood and climate resilience, implement natural and nature-based feature construction, or ecologically sustainable projects while supporting healthy riparian habitats. This funding is for the construction/implementation of projects, not projects exclusively for planning and/or design. The RWG program is open to local governments, Indian Nations, County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, State agencies, and not-for-profit corporations.

This factsheet summarizes the findings of a 2022 informal needs assessment of coastal Long Island Sound communities conducted by the Long Island Sound Study’s Sustainable & Resilient Communities (SRC) Working Group Extension Professionals Team. The goal of the needs assessment was to guide future SRC work and to understand: 1) which environmental threats communities are most concerned about, 2) what communities are already doing to address these threats (including their goals and priority projects), 3) what barriers are preventing actions, and 4) what support is needed to overcome those barriers. 

Up to $10 million in non-federal matching funds to support communities applying for the
Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
program (FEMA BRIC). DEEP’s Matching Funds for FEMA BRIC program is a new funding initiative and is part of the new Deployment category of the DEEP Climate Resilience Fund (DCRF). DCRF supports implementation and construction for community and energy resilience projects.

FEMA BRIC funds pre-disaster hazard mitigation and climate adaption
projects that will enable communities to withstand or rapidly recover from future disasters. For fiscal
year 2024 funds, FEMA is prioritizing projects that align with multiple BRIC program objectives and
the 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan. These objectives include addressing multiple hazards,
incorporating risk-informed nature-based solutions, eliminating disparities across disadvantaged
communities, and mitigating current and future risk to public infrastructure.

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) recently released a comprehensive report on understanding and addressing the occurrence of local flooding. Developed in collaboration with leading engineering firm Fuss & O’Neill, the study was motivated by the need to address the growing concerns surrounding flood risks across Connecticut. The report evaluates current flood management practices and outlines a series of strategic interventions actionable recommendations to enhance community resilience.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team held our 2024 Annual Workshop virtually as three sessions over two days. Session topics focused on our assistance programs, new regional resilience resources and tools, and a discussion on planning for inundation and different considerations communities may face.

Session 2 – Resilience Tools was held on Tuesday, December 10th from 1:30-3:30 PM. Participants learned about new Resilience Tools being developed and used throughout coastal Long Island Sound.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team held our 2024 Annual Workshop virtually as three sessions over two days. Session topics focused on our assistance programs, new regional resilience resources and tools, and a discussion on planning for inundation and different considerations communities may face.

Session 1 – SRC Resilience Assistance Programs was held on Tuesday, December 10th from 10-11:30 AM. Participants learned about our Sustainable and Resilient Communities resilience assistance programs and heard from communities who have successfully utilized them to advance resilience project plans, build capacity, and secure competitive grant funding!

The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) provides funding, expertise, training, and other resources to help communities advance their climate resilience plans and projects while also developing the strategies and capacities that communities nationwide will need as climate impacts intensify.

2024 Nassau Coastal Resilience Forum field trip to Sands Point Preserve. Credit: NYSG

On October 28, 2024, state and local decision makers, municipal staff, and other interested parties working to address coastal issues gathered at the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy in Sands Point, NY for the 2nd Annual Nassau County Coastal Resilience Forum to identify opportunities to increase resilience, learn about best practices, and enhance coordination across communities. There were presentations on the Long Island Sound Resilience Resource Hub & Assistance Programs, NYSDEC Office of Climate Change updates, marsh conservation planning, bluff management and restoration, and nature-based solutions to increase shoreline resilience. There was also a guided walking tour of the resilience projects at Sands Point Preserve.

The event is hosted by Long Island Sound Study and New York Sea Grant, in partnership with the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy and Nassau and Suffolk Soil and Water Conservation Districts.   

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team is excited to announce that for our 2024 Annual Workshop we are holding a series of virtual sessions over two days focused on our assistance programs, new regional resilience resources and tools, and a discussion on planning for inundation and different considerations communities may face.

Session 3 – Planning for Inundation 

Join us on Wednesday, December 11th from 10 AM-12 PM to hear from communities and regional entities that are considering different aspects of planning for inundation, including buyout programs, land use policies, and community perspectives on retreat/relocation.

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team is excited to announce that for our 2024 Annual Workshop we are holding a series of virtual sessions over two days focused on our assistance programs, new regional resilience resources and tools, and a discussion on planning for inundation and different considerations communities may face.

Session 2 – Resilience Tools

Join us on Tuesday, December 10th from 1:30-3:30 PM to learn about new Resilience Tools being developed and used throughout coastal Long Island Sound!

The Long Island Sound Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) Team is excited to announce that for our 2024 Annual Workshop we are holding a series of virtual sessions over two days focused on our assistance programs, new regional resilience resources and tools, and a discussion on planning for inundation and different considerations communities may face.

Session 1 – SRC Resilience Assistance Programs

Join us on Tuesday, December 10th from 10-11:30 AM to learn about our Sustainable and Resilient Communities resilience assistance programs and hear from communities who have successfully utilized them to advance resilience project plans, build capacity, and/or secure competitive grant funding!

FEMA’s National Resilience Guidance document is intended to help all individuals, communities, and organizations understand our nation’s vision for resilience, the key principles that must be applied to strengthen resilience, and the players and systems that contribute to resilience. It also outlines how to strengthen resilience by organizing and engaging people, incorporating resilience concepts into planning efforts, creating change through policies, prioritizing projects and programs, financing resilience efforts, and measuring and evaluating resilience. Finally, the NRG includes a Resilience Maturity Model that illustrates stages in the evolution of a community’s approach to resilience.

On October 29, 2024, state and local decision makers, municipal staff, and other interested parties working to address coastal issues gathered at the Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp in Riverhead, NY to identify opportunities to increase resilience, learn about best practices, and enhance coordination across communities. There were presentations on the Long Island Sound Resilience Resource Hub, NYSDEC Climate Office updates, marsh conservation planning, bluff management and restoration, and nature-based solutions to increase shoreline resilience. There was also a field trip to Iron Pier Beach/Maidstone Landing to view and learn about a community bluff restoration project.

This event was hosted by Long Island Sound Study and New York Sea Grant, in partnership with Nassau and Suffolk Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Nassau CCE, and Maidstone Landing. 

Interactive map with county-level disaster declaration information and Congressional Districts for 2011-2023. Also includes a fact sheet and tables.

National Report with State-based County-level data detailing the experiences of communities as a result of climate change. State reports include eight maps that show where major disasters have occurred, where post-disaster support has been given, where the most socially vulnerable populations reside, and the energy reliability by utility area. It also provides county-level disaster data within State Assembly, Senate, and Congressional district boundaries.

To help Americans anticipate how changing climate conditions might affect their homes and businesses, the United States Global Change Research Program conducts a comprehensive review of scientific information on climate trends and impacts in our country every four years. The 5th National Climate Assessment — often referred to as NCA5 — was published in 2023.

This Interactive Atlas provides access to data compiled for NCA5. Browse the collection for your own investigations, or access the data for custom analysis and mapping.

The Fifth National Climate Assessment is the US Government’s preeminent report on climate change impacts, risks, and responses. It is a congressionally mandated interagency effort that provides the scientific foundation to support informed decision-making across the United States.

EPA has selected Fordham University to serve as pass-through entity for the Thriving Communities Grants for New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Thriving Communities subgrants will be distributed to support capacity building in communities affected by environmental or public health issues to eligible applicants. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until March 31, 2025.

The New York State Climate Impacts Assessment explores current and future climate change impacts to New York State communities, ecosystems, and economy. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) assembled more than 250 New York–based, national, and Indigenous climate science experts and representatives from diverse communities and industries across the state to contribute to this assessment. The findings are intended to help residents, businesses, and decision-makers across the state plan and prepare for climate change impacts.

Awards small grants in support of grassroots efforts and community-based environmental work in New England. The Grassroots Fund utilizes participatory grantmaking to move resources to New England grassroots groups working at the intersections of Environmental Justice. The program is geared toward groups who have some experience implementing a project in their community. Grants support groups to deepen their work by further developing a community vision, lowering barriers to participation, identifying new stakeholders, and working to bring more voices and lived experiences into core decision-making processes.

The NCRF is a national program with the goal of enhancing protection for coastal communities from the impacts of storms, floods, and other natural coastal hazards and to improve habitats for fish and wildlife. This year, NFWF will award approximately $140 million in grants for the planning, design, and implementation of natural and nature-based solutions.

This study by Seth et al. provides up-to-date information on observed trends and projections of temperature and precipitation in Connecticut.

The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program is a competitive program that provides funding to states, federally recognized Tribal governments, U.S. territories, and local governments. Since the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 was signed into law, funds are used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program will support states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. The BRIC program’s guiding principles are to support communities through capability and capacity building, encourage and enable innovation; promote partnerships, enable large projects, maintain flexibility, and provide consistency.

New York Sea Grant and Connecticut Sea Grant are providing grant preparation and writing capacity to New York and Connecticut communities that are pursuing funding for sustainability and resilience-focused projects. This technical assistance program helps municipalities and community organizations develop successful grant proposals and develop capacity for navigating the funding landscape. 

Guidance and training modules for Connecticut Zoning changes to address climate vulnerabilities. On the website there are examples of zoning policies municipalities could modify and/or adopt to enhance local climate resilience. Where applicable, model ordinances and examples of where the policies have been adopted are included.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA’s) Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Framework, 3^rd Edition, is a guide and collection of resources for use in analyzing the impacts of climate change and extreme weather on transportation infrastructure. Its purpose is to identify key considerations, questions, and resources that can be used to design and implement a climate change vulnerability assessment. The processes, lessons learned, and resources outlined in the framework are geared toward state departments of transportation (DOTs), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and other agencies involved in planning, building, or maintaining the transportation system. It includes suggestions and examples applicable to a wide range of applications, from small qualitative studies to large, detailed, data-intensive analyses. The resources included in the framework will be added to and updated over time.

To better understand how Connecticut’s coastal area marshes and roads may respond to sea level rise (SLR), Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM) was applied to Connecticut’s shoreline by Warren Pinnacle Consulting, Inc. This viewer displays the model’s results for Connecticut’s 21 largest marshes and all coastal area roads. For marshes, SLAMM was run two hundred times using alternative model inputs for key model parameters, including various SLR scenarios, to produce probability based results of likely future marsh conditions. For roads, the model uses a single SLR scenario of about 4.2 feet by 2100 from the base year of 2002. The Sea Level Rise Effects on Roads and Marshes projects is a project between CT DEEP and UConn CLEAR.

The Climate Resilient Farming program aims to reduce the impact of agriculture on climate change and to increase the resiliency of New York State farms in the face of a changing climate. The CRF grant program provides cost-share assistance to farmers to reduce GHG emissions and increase resiliency through Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Emergency financial assistance is available to municipalities for wastewater and drinking water system issues that pose hazards to public health, public welfare or the environment. The amount is based on the reasonable costs immediately necessary to address the emergency. The financial assistance is to be repaid within one year.

Assistance can be provided within two business days of a determination by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) or Department of Health (DOH). Your will have to formally declare an emergency and submit an application.

The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Grant program was established in 2016 to provide grants to cities, towns, villages, and counties of the State of New York for eligible climate change mitigation, adaptation, and planning and assessment projects. Funds are available for two broad project categories – implementation and certification. The first project category supports implementation projects related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (mainly outside the power sector), climate change adaptation, and engineering feasibility studies for flood mitigation and Hydrofluorocarbons. The second supports planning and assessment projects aligned with Climate Smart Communities certification actions.

The NYS Department of State (NYSDOS) is soliciting applications from eligible villages, towns, cities located along New York’s coasts or designated inland waterways, counties, or regional planning councils to advance the preparation or implementation of strategies for community and waterfront revitalization through the following grant categories: Preparing or Updating a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), including Updating an LWRP to be More Resilient to Climate Risks; Preparing an LWRP Component, including a Watershed Management Plan; Implementing an LWRP or a completed LWRP Component.

The Healthy Communities Grant Program is EPA New England’s main competitive grant program to work directly with communities to reduce environmental risks to protect and improve human health and the quality of life. he Healthy Communities Grant Program will achieve this through identifying and funding projects that:
– Target resources to benefit communities at risk.
– Assess, understand, and reduce environmental and human health risks.
– Increase collaboration through partnerships and community-based projects.
– Build institutional and community capacity to understand and solve environmental and human health problems.
– Achieve measurable environmental and human health benefits.

Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund is an innovative program that provides fast, flexible funding and support for engaging your community on wide-ranging sustainability projects. Eligible projects receive dollar-for-dollar matching funds from Sustainable CT.

Awards small grants in support of grassroots efforts and community-based environmental work in New England. The Grassroots Fund utilizes participatory grantmaking to move resources to New England grassroots groups working at the intersections of Environmental Justice. The program is geared toward groups who have some experience implementing a project in their community. Grants support groups to deepen their work by further developing a community vision, lowering barriers to participation, identifying new stakeholders, and working to bring more voices and lived experiences into core decision-making processes.

The Connecticut Society for Women Environmental Professionals Grant Program provides funding for local projects in Connecticut that benefit the environment. Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded. Any application meeting the grant guidelines that is not successful in one cycle may reapply during any following cycle. The applications will be judged based on the environmental benefits of each project, in comparison to others. “Environmental benefits” can vary widely and successful applications have ranged from property clean-ups to environmental education.

NFWF will award up to $140 million in grants to create and restore natural systems in order to increase protection for communities from coastal hazards, such as storms, sea- and lake-level changes, inundation, and coastal erosion, while improving habitats for fish and wildlife species. NFWF prioritizes projects that are community led or incorporate direct community engagement and benefit underserved communities facing disproportionate harm from climate impacts.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program will support states, local communities, tribes and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. The BRIC program’s guiding principles are to support communities through capability and capacity building, encourage and enable innovation; promote partnerships, enable large projects, maintain flexibility, and provide consistency.

The Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program is a competitive program that provides funding to states, federally recognized Tribal governments, U.S. territories, and local governments. Since the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 was signed into law, funds are used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program.

NOAA is seeking proposals for transformational projects that will restore coastal habitat and strengthen community resilience under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

This funding will prioritize habitat restoration actions that 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. This funding opportunity will invest in projects that have the greatest potential to provide holistic benefits, through habitat-based approaches that strengthen both ecosystem and community resilience.

With support from the Nature Conservancy and Sustainable CT, East Haddam organized a Community Resilience Building process and workshop, the results of which were compiled into this summary. The team engaged with community members to determine the present hazards and vulnerabilities and identify resilient solutions.

This public greenspace was suffering from mosquito overpopulation, invasion from Phragmites, and poor tidal/stormwater drainage. The Wetland’s Habitat and Mosquito Management Program (WHAMM) created a new drainage area and tunnels, while also eliminating invasive plants. Then organizations and volunteers banded together to remove and replace invasive plant species with native plants.

The purpose of this project was to mitigate 450 ft of coastal erosion on the Long Island Sound. A part of Crab Creek was moved further inland, thus allowing for beach and dune migration over time. New rock sills, plants, and sand sills were also positioned along the shore.

The New York State Department of State worked with the Department of Environmental Conservation and other partners to create model local laws to help local governments be more resilient to sea-level rise, storm surge, and flooding. Cities, towns, and villages are invited to adapt model local laws to meet the resilience needs of the community with the assistance of their municipal attorneys.

Information from the NYS Department of Health (DOH) on extreme heat impacts and resources for the public.

This guidance document is intended for stakeholders pursuing FEMA HMA grants for nature-based solutions to mitigate risks associated with flooding (riverine and coastal) and wildfire.

National Report with State-based County-level data detailing the experiences of communities as a result of climate change. State reports include eight maps that show where major disasters have occurred, where post-disaster support has been given, where the most socially vulnerable populations reside, and the energy reliability by utility area. It also provides county-level disaster data within State Assembly, Senate, and Congressional district boundaries.

Suffolk County and the local governments within Suffolk County developed a FEMA approved Hazard Mitigation Plan, which documents risks from natural hazards and strategies to mitigate hazards.

The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) is a map released every Thursday, showing where drought is and how bad it is across the U.S. and its territories. The map uses six classifications: normal conditions, abnormally dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought: moderate (D1), severe (D2), extreme (D3) and exceptional (D4).