The national oceanic and atmospheric administration is providing $XXX in federal funding to [recipient] through the FY2024 and FY2025 national estuarine research reserve habitat protection and…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded the University of Connecticut $2.871 million through the FY2024 and FY2025 National Estuarine Research Reserve Habitat Protection and Restoration Grant Competition (CFDA 11.473) on October 1, 2025.

The award funds habitat restoration planning, engineering and design projects, habitat restoration implementation projects, and land conservation projects to enhance the ecological function of Bluff Point State Park, Coastal Reserve, and Natural Area Preserve within the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve. Through collaborative regional planning, the work will improve visitor safety, expand community benefits, and generate economic opportunities for surrounding coastal areas.

The total obligated amount is $8.614764 million, with performance through September 30, 2028. Work is performed at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut. The University of Connecticut's Office Sponsored Programs administers the award as the recipient.

SLR International Corporation is a sub-recipient delivering restoration and access improvements at Bluff Point State Park under a sub-award made on July 14, 2026.

The national oceanic and atmospheric administration is providing $XXX in federal funding to [recipient] through the FY2024 and FY2025 national estuarine research reserve habitat protection and restoration grant competition. This funding will increase the safety and productivity of coastal communities within coastal counties through habitat restoration planning, engineering and design projects, habitat restoration implementation projects, and land conservation projects. Specifically, the university of connecticut will use these funds for a suite of activities that will enhance the ecological function of the bluff point state park, coastal reserve, and natural area preserve located within the connecticut national estuarine research reserve. Through collaborative planning with regional partners, the project will also improve safety and increase the benefit of bluff point state park to current and new visitors, as well as providing economic opportunities for surrounding communities.