Connecticut infrastructure capacity-building project description: the national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is providing $895,785 in federal funding to the state of connecticut…

Connecticut infrastructure capacity-building project description: the national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is providing $895,785 in federal funding to the state of connecticut through the bipartisan infrastructure law. This funding will continue to build the capacity of the states federally-approved coastal management program within the department of energy and environmental protection (DEEP) to plan for and implement habitat restoration and conservation projects proposed through funding opportunities connected to the bipartisan infrastructure law. Specifically, DEEP will use these funds to continue to support a land acquisition and restoration coordinator position that will work with state agencies, municipalities and other partners to continue to develop a project pipeline of restoration and acquisition projects that are ready for funding. The award will also hire a new beneficial use coordinator to advance the use of dredged material for bipartisan infrastructure law habitat restoration and enhancement projects. The beneficial use coordinator will support the development of U.S. Army corp of engineer-led studies to identify and advance alternatives to open water disposal of dredged sediment, such as for marsh restoration, living shorelines, and island restoration or creation and develop a beneficial reuse strategy for the state to support future bipartisan infrastructure law project proposals. A major focus of the work will be ensuring these restoration and conservation projects support the needs of and provide benefit to environmental justice communities.