The national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is providing ongoing funding through the national coastal zone management program to the state of connecticut to help administer the states…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is providing a $4,569,000 Cooperative Agreement award under the Coastal Zone Management Administration Awards (CFDA 11.419) program to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The award, with an effective date of October 1, 2024 and a completion date of March 31, 2026, will support the state's federally approved coastal management program. Key products and services to be delivered through this funding include:

• Ongoing administration and implementation of Connecticut's coastal management program, including addressing critical issues like coastal hazards, climate change, habitat restoration, ocean planning, and dredge material management.
• Development of the first update to the Long Island Sound Blue Plan, which inventories the natural resources and uses of Connecticut's Long Island Sound and establishes a spatial plan to guide future use of the Sound.
• Continued work to provide guidance on the regulatory framework for managing dredged sediment, including exploring beneficial uses beyond open water disposal.
• Ongoing coastal permitting, planning, public outreach, and technical assistance to coastal municipalities and other state agencies.

The federal grant funds will leverage $2,218,000 in state matching contributions, supporting jobs and continued administration of Connecticut's coastal management program.

The national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is providing ongoing funding through the national coastal zone management program to the state of connecticut to help administer the states federally approved coastal management program. The national coastal zone management program, under the coastal zone management act, is an important voluntary federal-state partnership that protects, restores, and responsibly develops our nations coastal communities and resources by balancing economic development, coastal uses, and natural resource protection. Noaas investment of $2,351,000 is leveraging $2,218,000 in state funds. These funds will support jobs and provide continued assistance to the connecticut department of energy and environmental protections land and water resources division (LWRD) to address many important coastal management issues in the state including coastal hazards, climate change, habitat restoration, ocean planning, and dredge material management. For example, these funds will support the development the first update to the long island sound blue plan. The blue plan provides an inventory of the natural resources and uses of connecticut's long island sound and establishes a spatial plan to guide future use of the sound's waters and submerged lands. In addition, LWRD will continue work to provide clearer and more helpful guidance on the regulatory framework governing the management of dredged sediment, specifically the use of alternative approaches to open water disposal, including beneficial uses such as marsh restoration, island creation/enhancement, or nearshore placement. The funding will also support ongoing efforts, including coastal permitting, planning, public outreach, and technical assistance to coastal municipalities and other state agencies.