July 2025

The Resilience Roundup highlights announcements and events along with links to the previous month's state, regional, and national resilience news. 

Learn more about CIRCA at circa.uconn.edu

and the Resilient Connecticut Project at resilientconnecticut.uconn.edu

CIRCA Publishes Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI) Paper



CIRCA has published a new article in the journal Geographies titled "Development of a Statewide Climate Change Vulnerability Index for Heat and Flood: A Comprehensive Assessment of Connecticut for Resiliency Planning". The paper outlines a GIS-based approach that combines climate hazard data with social, infrastructure, and environmental indicators to map heat and flood vulnerability statewide. The tool, informed by local stakeholder input, is designed to support data-driven resilience planning. Read the full paper HERE.

East Haddam Flooding Study Final Report Now Available

CIRCA, Kleinfelder, and the Town of East Haddam have partnered to assess flooding risks from Succor Brook and the Connecticut River in the East Haddam village center. Flooding from Succor Brook has affected key areas, including Goodspeed-owned buildings, Norwich Road (Route 82), Creamery Road, and Lumberyard Road. The Connecticut River also poses a threat to the Town’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. The final report outlines existing and future flood risks, evaluates potential flood mitigation strategies, and offers recommendations for next steps. To view the final report and associated appendices, click HERE.

Resilient East Hartford Public Meeting 

On June 9, 2025, CIRCA, AECOM, and the Town of East Hartford hosted a public meeting to address flooding and heat-related concerns impacting the downtown area, specifically from Connecticut Boulevard to the railroad underpass. To view the slides and watch the recording of the public meeting, see the materials HERE.

Announcements

Governor Lamont Announces State Grants for Assessment and Remediation of 23 Blighted Properties



Governor Ned Lamont announced today that he is releasing $18.8 million in state grants that will be used for the assessment and remediation of 227 acres of contaminated land across Connecticut. The funding will support 23 properties in 19 towns and cities, helping cover the costs of cleaning up these parcels so they can be redeveloped and returned to productive use. The grants are being released through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Brownfield Remediation and Development Program. This round of funding is projected to attract $218 million in private investment and facilitate the creation of 450 housing units. Approximately 52% of the total funding will be allocated to distressed municipalities.

DEEP Announces Grant Recipients and New Funding Opportunity for Urban and Community Forestry

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has awarded more than $184,000 to support 11 urban and community forestry projects across Bloomfield, Ellington, Mansfield, New London, North Stonington, Old Saybrook, Ridgefield, Stamford, and Stratford. These projects will fund tree inventories, forest management plans, invasive species removal, and native plantings to strengthen urban forests that help manage stormwater, reduce pollution and heat, and improve public health. 

Grants

CT DEEP: Trees for Communities Grant Program



Application Deadline: August 31 at 5:00 p.m.

The Trees for Communities Grant Program helps address tree canopy gaps in Connecticut by funding urban forestry projects in communities of need. Eligible projects include tree planting, invasive species management, workforce development, urban wood utilization, and creating space for trees by removing impervious surfaces. All projects must demonstrate strong community support and clear benefits for priority areas identified in DEEP’s Urban Forestry Grant Screening Tool. An informational webinar will be held on July 8 at 4:30 p.m. and virtual office hours are available through August. 

Connecticut Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

Application Deadline: October 2025

The Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is pleased to announce that the Hazard Mitigation Grant Application Period is accepting applications or letters of intent These grant opportunities provide funding for projects aimed at reducing the impact of natural disasters within your communities.

USDA: Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island

Application Deadline: Rolling

This program supports rural communities, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island that need help preparing for or recovering from an emergency that threatens safe, reliable drinking water. Eligible areas are rural towns with populations of 10,000 or less, tribal lands in rural areas, or colonias with household incomes below the state’s non-metro median. Funding may be used for waterline repairs, new wells, treatment plants, or other improvements to restore or secure water supplies. Applications are accepted year-round through your local USDA Rural Development office or online.

Urban Act Grant Program

Application Deadline: Rolling Submission

The Urban Act grant program is open to all municipalities designated as economically distressed, public investment communities or urban centers. Funds are provided to improve and expand state activities which promote community conservation and development and improve the quality of life for urban residents of the state. Urban Act funds may be used to finance a wide range of projects, including economic and community development, transportation, housing, recreation development, solid waste disposal, public safety and social-services-related projects (e.g., child day care projects, elderly centers and shelter facilities for domestic violence victims).

NOAA: Coastal Ocean Reanalysis (CORA)

Virtual Engagement Registration

July 15, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Join NOAA for a Coffee Chat on Coastal Ocean Reanalysis (CORA)

CORA combines historical observations from NOAA tide gauges with modern computer models to fill gaps in historical records. This innovative dataset creates a more complete picture of historical water levels, helping assess long-term sea level change and compare current flood risks to those of the past. Analise Keeney, Coastal Hazards Oceanographer with NOAA’s Center for Operational Products and Services (CO-OPS), will share insights on CORA and answer questions in an informal discussion. Bring your questions and come ready to engage — space is limited due to the interactive format.

CLEAR Land Use Academy: Fundamentals of Site Plan Reading and Interpretation

July 16, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: UConn Middlesex County Extension Center, 1066 Saybrook Road, Haddam, CT 06438

UConn CLEAR’s Land Use Academy is holding an in-person training for land use commisisoners on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at UConn's Middlesex County Extension Center located at 1066 Saybrook Road, Haddam, CT, 06438.

Renata Bertotti, AICP, Assistant Extension Educator in LU Planning and Climate Resilience, UConn Extension will present "Fundamentals of Site Plan Reading and Interpretation." This training is most helpful to newly appointed or elected Land Use Commissioners and those with little or no experience in site plan reading and interpretation. This training may be eligible for two (2.0) commissioner training hours as per CGS Sec. 8-4c. (Fair and Affordable Housing hour will NOT be covered). Registration deadline is July 10, 2025.

NOAA: Coastal Inundation Community of Practice

Virtual Engagement Registration

July 31, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.



Join NOAA to Connect with the Disaster Preparedness Program!

This interactive session will introduce attendees to the mission and work of NOAA’s Disaster Preparedness Program, which supports preparedness, response, and recovery efforts across NOAA and with federal, state, and local partners through training, exercises, and coordination activities. Learn how the program strengthens resilience to disasters and coastal hazards, and hear firsthand how it supports your region. The session will include an overview of the program and regional breakout discussions to meet Preparedness Coordinators, discuss priorities, and ask questions. Whether you’re new to NOAA’s preparedness work or an experienced partner, this is a great opportunity to build connections and stay engaged.

Session 8: Hazardous Waste and Sites (ELI Summer School, 2025)

July 22, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.



Join the Environmental Law Institute’s Summer School for an in-depth look at how U.S. law manages hazardous substances and waste. This session will cover the history and legal foundations of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Faculty will explain how hazardous substances are defined, key regulatory elements, and recent developments in designations and listings. A recording will be posted for those who cannot attend live.

Connecticut River Museum Exhibit



June 5th - August 3rd:

The Connecticut River Museum in Essex opened a special exhibit on June 5, 2025 entitled "Rising Waters: Flooding on the Connecticut River". There have always been floods. However, with increased human activity in floodplains, the impact of the floods on people has increased. This exhibit will explore several devastating floods of the 20th century on the Connecticut River and pose questions about what we should expect in the future. What are the effects of climate change on potential future floods? And, what are we doing to protect our riparian communities and our environment before the next 100 year flood? 

The Museum located at 67 Main Street, Essex is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00am to 5:00pm. It is closed on Mondays. Click here for admission fees, directions and other museum information. 

Climate Change in the American Mind: Politics & Policy, Spring 2025

The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication have released their latest report, Climate Change in the American Mind: Politics & Policy, Spring 2025. Based on a national survey conducted from May 1 to May 12, the report shares insights into how voters view climate change, related policies, and government action

Severe Weather Council Submits Reports and Recommendations to Connecticut Insurance Department

Insurance Business - June 1, 2025

The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) has accepted the final report and recommendations of the Severe Weather Mitigation and Resiliency Advisory Council. 

The report was formally presented to CID Commissioner Andrew Mais (pictured above) during the council’s final meeting on June 27. The report outlined both near-term actions and long-term strategies.

Emissions Targets to Change in Connecticut Under Significant Climate Bill

CT Insider - June 4, 2025

Connecticut lawmakers gave final passage to a major climate bill, giving environmental advocates a significant victory on the final day of the state's legislative session. At the core of the measure known as House Bill 5004, is a new target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions statewide by 2050, a more aggressive goal than the one enshrined in current law.

Robert Miller: CT Residents Can Expect Another Summer with Bad Air Quality: 'Some of the worst'

New Haven Register - June 21, 2025



In all of Connecticut, that means there will be 20 days or more this summer when everyone will find it hard to breathe. People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart troubles will have it even harder. Bad air makes people sick. Long-term exposure can cause health problems, including lung and heart damage, and a rise is premature babies and underweight infants. Even plants and trees suffer when it gets smoggy.

Judge Rules EPA Termination of Environmental Justice Grants

Was Unlawful

Politico - June 18, 2025

A federal judge on Tuesday ruled that EPA’s termination of $600 million in environmental justice grants issued by the Biden administration for low-income areas and communities of color was unlawful. The ruling over the Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program comes as EPA is separately appealing a ruling that its termination of $20 billion in Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grants was also unlawful. Congressional Republicans have proposed rescinding funding for both grant programs as part of their reconciliation bills.

The Resilience Roundup highlights CIRCA's presence in the news, provides links to recent local/state/national news articles related to resilience and adaptation, and announces upcoming events and seminars.

The Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation's (CIRCA) mission is to increase the resilience and sustainability of vulnerable communities along Connecticut's coast and inland waterways to the growing impacts of climate change and extreme weather on the natural, built, and human environment. The institute is located at the University of Connecticut's Avery Point campus and includes faculty from across the university. CIRCA is a partnership between UConn and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP).