Department Assists Communities Prepare for Flooding and Storms

Grant Funding Available to Enhance Resiliency and Sustainability

Local communities have an opportunity to apply for funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to help them prepare for climate and weather-related changes and incidents, including flooding and storm events, as well as expand their use of ‘green’ infrastructure to increase community resiliency and sustainability.

Maryland communities can apply for Community Resiliency Grants in two categories or tracks:

• CoastSmart Communities is open to all coastal areas and provides funding for local governments to plan for future flooding caused by rain and tidal events. Proposals should focus on aiding businesses, officials, planners and residents understand existing hazards and vulnerabilities, and actions that can be taken to maintain a community’s cultural heritage and identity.

• Green Infrastructure Resiliency is open to all communities preparing for and implementing projects that address and reduce localized flooding risks and stormwater. Project examples include development or implementation of identified practices such as bio-retention areas, permeable pavement and rain gardens, and focus on floodplain and stormwater management.

“The department aims to support local communities as they prepare for climatic and related weather changes,” said Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton. “We are seeking innovative projects and proposals that mitigate flooding and storm damage as well as enhance and improve the Chesapeake Bay and water quality.”

Projects should help communities more clearly communicate the risks associated with natural hazards such as flooding, sea level rise and storm events in order to better protect citizens, businesses, infrastructure and natural resources. All applications are due Feb. 17, 2017.

Questions regarding CoastSmart Communities should be directed to Sasha Land at 410-260-8718, with questions on Green Infrastructure Resiliency going to Megan Granato at 410-260-8799.