{"id":46691,"date":"2026-02-11T11:29:30","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T16:29:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=46691"},"modified":"2026-02-11T11:51:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T16:51:19","slug":"resilience-through-restoration-initiative-protects-maryland-communities-and-coastlines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2026\/02\/11\/resilience-through-restoration-initiative-protects-maryland-communities-and-coastlines\/","title":{"rendered":"Resilience Through Restoration Initiative Protects Maryland Communities and Coastlines"},"content":{"rendered":"

Program has operated for eight years, supporting a range of environmental projects in the state<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>

A living shoreline project in Calvert County protecting a neighborhood and surrounding infrastructure, supported by the Resilience through Restoration initiative. DNR photo<\/p><\/div>\n

In its eight years of operation, Maryland\u2019s Resilience through Restoration Initiative has supported more than three dozen projects in the state and transferred millions of dollars into critical environmental efforts that protect communities, shore up habitat, and provide lasting economic benefits for long-term resilience in coastal areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

The program prioritizes nature-based solutions to harness the power of living shorelines, wetlands, and natural stormwater practices to help protect communities from flooding hazards rather than relying solely on gray infrastructure like bulkheads and revetments. The projects are supported by strategic state investment, which helps to bring additional support from federal and local funding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith 70% of Maryland\u2019s residents living in the coastal zone, communities face increasing threats from coastal erosion, flooding, and sea level rise,\u201d DNR\u2019s Watershed and Climate Services Director Dr. Natalie Snider said. \u201cThe state\u2019s Resilience through Restoration Initiative has proven itself a critical program for protecting these vulnerable communities and ecosystems.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Launched in 2017, the pilot program set out with an ambitious goal: implement at least 15 nature-based demonstration projects that would address escalating risks from extreme weather and climate-related events. The program has overachieved in its initial project goal, rather than implementing 15 projects, it has supported the design and construction of 41 projects across Maryland.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Of these projects, 16 have been constructed, with three currently under evaluation for adaptive management. Construction is currently underway for five additional projects, expected to be complete by the end of 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

Annual funding requests for nature-based solutions surged from approximately $1.2 million in fiscal year 2018 to more than $31.5 million in fiscal year 2025. The program has successfully leveraged the initial state investment of $17.25 million over its first seven years, with over $13.7 million in federal, state, and local funding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe numbers don\u2019t lie\u2013the program has achieved a remarkable multiplier effect,\u201d said Nicole Carlozo, director of DNR\u2019s Center for Resilient Communities and Landscapes. \u201cThis leveraging of funds is one of the program’s greatest strengths. The Resilience through Restoration program is essential in helping Maryland communities compete successfully for these federal dollars which are highly competitive at the national level.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The initiative\u2019s ability to leverage funding has allowed Maryland communities to capitalize on federal funding opportunities offered by agencies like National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This strategic approach creates a unique opportunity to significantly bolster state investments and accelerate progress toward climate adaptation goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond flood protection and ecosystem enhancement, these restoration projects deliver significant economic benefits. Research indicates that environmental restoration projects can support up to <\/span>33 jobs per $1 million of investment<\/span><\/a>, stimulating economic growth, employment, and skills development across multiple industries. A 2018 study by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that every $1 invested in disaster resilience <\/span>saves $6 in future costs<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Resilience through Restoration projects include:<\/span><\/p>\n

Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center Thin Layer Sediment Placement<\/b><\/a>, Queen Anne\u2019s County<\/b><\/p>\n