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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
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CIRCA Opens Three Jobs
UConn CIRCA seeks applicants for three open positions. CIRCA is a multi‐disciplinary center that coordinates applied research and engagement programs to develop and advance practical solutions to problems caused by the changing climate. Learn more and apply at jobs.hr.uconn.edu.
Research Associate 1- Physical Oceanography and Coastal Engineering
Search # 499467
Links will be live soon for the two positions below. Check jobs.hr.uconn.edu and search by title or search number.
Research Assistant III – Hydrologic & Hydraulic Engineer/Scientist
Search # 499470
Oceanographic Research Assistant I
Search # 499472
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Climate and Equity Grant Program
The second round of the CIRCA-DEEP Climate & Equity Grant Program wrapped up in early 2026 with six completed projects. You can find more information about the grantees, their final project reports, and a StoryMap on CIRCA's Climate & Equity webpage.
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Governor Lamont, Attorney General Tong, Commissioner Dykes, and Commissioner Juthani Statements on Trump Administration’s Repeal of Landmark Endangerment Finding
Governor Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes, and Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani released the following statements in response to today’s announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it has finalized its rescinding of the “endangerment finding” – the landmark Obama-era determination that allows the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. The endangerment finding reflects the scientifically supported and widely understood connection between greenhouse gases, air pollution, and harm to human health and the environment.
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DEEP, Manresa Island Corp. Announce Stewardship
Permit for Manresa Island
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes and Manresa Island Corp. (a subsidiary of Manresa Osprey LLC) announced today the recent issuance of a Stewardship Permit to facilitate the cleanup and redevelopment of the former fossil fuel power plant located at 1 Manresa Island Road, Norwalk. Called Manresa Wilds, the project has been driven by Manresa Island Corp., a non-profit founded by Norwalk residents Austin and Allison McChord in October of 2024 to transform this 125-acre property into a vibrant, publicly accessible community park on the Long Island Sound. The Stewardship Permit outlines the work necessary to clean up the property, including measures to catalyze the opening of the Northern Forest to the public in Spring 2027.
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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.
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Climate Smart Communities Initiative
Application Deadline: March 12, 2026
The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 CSCI grant opportunity for US-based climate resilience projects. CSCI awards provide funding and technical assistance to advance community-based climate resilience in US communities or regions that are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The total grants budget is $1.5-2 million, and grants typically range from $75,000 to $115,000 based on the scope of work proposed in the application. CSCI anticipates awarding between 16-20 grants for the 2026 cycle.
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Grass Roots Fund: Grow Grants
Application Deadline: March 17, 2026
Grow Grants support established groups to sustain their current work or build on past success in new ways. These groups typically have some experience working together and in the community. This means they have figured out a basic group structure and ways of gathering wider input to guide their work. Applicants can often provide specific examples for how they are implementing the Guiding Practices, which are centered in review.
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Resilience District Incubator
Call for Pilots
Application Deadline: March 20, 2026
Calling all communities in California and Connecticut ready to put Resilience Districts into action! The Resilient District Incubator helps communities bridge the gap from 'intent' to 'implementation.' Local and regional public agencies—and nonprofits or community-based organizations partnering with an eligible public entity—are invited to submit a Statement of Intent to be considered as a pilot community in the Resilience District Incubator.
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DECD: Brownfield Remediation and Development Funding
Application Deadline: March 25, 2026
The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD) announced multiple funding availability notices of the Brownfields Program. OBRD is a one-stop resource for brownfield redevelopment in Connecticut, providing financial and technical assistance to municipalities and economic development agencies as well as brownfield owners and potential developers. The mission of OBRD is to return brownfield sites across the state to productive re-use, including mixed-use, residential, commercial, industrial, retail and open space uses.
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DEEP Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grants
Application Deadline: March 26, 2026
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is accepting applications for the Federal Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Grant Program. Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act is a grant program to address NPS water pollution. DEEP receives these funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which can be passed onto municipalities, communities, local conservation groups, and many other organizations for NPS management efforts within Connecticut. Applications may be submitted by any interested public or private organization (award recipients must be registered with the CT Secretary of State).
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NFWF: National Coastal Resilience Fund 2026 Request For Proposals
Pre-Proposal Deadline: March 31, 2026
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is pleased to announce the 2026 National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) Request for Proposals (RFP). NFWF will make investments in planning, design, and implementation of nature-based solutions to enhance protection for coastal communities from the impacts of storms, floods, and other natural hazards while improving habitats for fish and wildlife.
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EPA: Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in
Community Buildings Funding Opportunity
Deadline: April 15, 2026
EPA’s Office of Radiation and Indoor Air is announcing the availability of funds and soliciting applications from eligible entities to improve public health protection against smoke from wildfires by enhancing preparedness in community buildings. EPA is soliciting applications for projects that support this effort through activities such as:
- Smoke readiness planning,
- Outreach and training for smoke readiness,
- Indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring,
- Deployment of portable air cleaners,
- Identification and preparation of cleaner air shelters, and
- Significant improvements to buildings such as upgrading and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units or systems and weatherization.
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Connecticut Sea Grant Arts Support Awards Program
Deadline: May 20, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Connecticut Sea Grant, through its Arts Support Awards Program, will award up to $1000 to an artist or group of artists. The winning submission will be selected on the basis of aesthetic quality, relevance to coastal and marine environments and Connecticut Sea Grant themes, as well as its potential impact on the wider public and new audiences.
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Long Island Sound Partnership: Grant Writing Assistance and Planning Support Available in New Round of Funding
Application Deadline: Rolling
The Long Island Sound Partnership sustainable and resilient communities extension professionals have established two assistance programs–the Long Island Sound Resilience Grant Writing Assistance Program and the Long Island Sound Resilience Planning Support Program. As of October 1st, 2024 a third round of the Long Island Sound Resilience Grant Writing Support Program is available for municipalities and community organizations. The Program assists New York and Connecticut communities within the Long Island Sound coastal boundary to hire a grant writing consultant to develop successful sustainability and resilience-focused project grant proposals and increase capacity within municipalities and community organizations to navigate the funding landscape. Up to $9,950 in funding is available per application and match is not required! The Program is open on a rolling basis until all the available funding has been allocated.
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Inclusionary Redevelopment: Anti-Displacement Strategies for Brownfields Projects Webinar
March 11, 2026 2:00 p.m.
Redevelopment of brownfield sites offers powerful opportunities for environmental cleanup and economic revitalization but without intentional planning, it can also accelerate gentrification processes. Join the EPA-funded Brownfields Revitalization Anti-Displacement Strategies (BRADS) Program for this timely webinar exploring how inclusionary redevelopment can transform brownfields into assets without displacing the people who call these neighborhoods home.
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LISCIF’s Connecticut State-Wide Learning Exchange
March 17, 2026 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center - 110 Pequot Trail Mashantucket, Connecticut 06338
The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is excited to announce the first Connecticut State-Wide Learning Exchange. The theme for this Learning Exchange will focus on People of the Sound, focusing on needs, environmental impacts, and access for communities along the Long Island Sound estuary. The hosts and participants will collaborate with Tribal groups, organizations, institutions, and community members to identify resources and provide opportunities for capacity building.
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Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice
Advisory Council (CEEJAC) Quarterly Meeting
March 18, 2026 1:00 p.m.
Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council (CEEJAC) was established in Executive Order 21-3 to provide guidance to the Commissioner of CT's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) on issues related to the state's historic and current environmental injustice and inequities across the state. The Council convenes quarterly to hear updates from subcommittees and discuss key projects. All Quarterly Meetings are open to the public. If you have questions, please contact DEEP.CEEJAC@ct.gov.
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Connecticut Tree Protective Association:
Branching Out Together 2026 Conference
March 18, 2026 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: 270 Mohegan Avenue Pkwy, New London, CT 06320
Connecticut’s three leading organizations in arboriculture and urban forestry will be co-hosting a one-day conference at Connecticut College in New London.
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Connecticut Land Conservation Council:
2026 Land Conservation Conference
March 21, 2026 8:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. EDT
Location: Frank Center for Public Affairs - 238 Church St, Middletown, CT 06457, USA
Connect with hundreds of passionate land conservation advocates at Connecticut’s premier event for training, networking, and knowledge-sharing. This dynamic conference brings together a diverse group of attendees, including municipal land use commissioners, state agency representatives, private conservation organizations, garden club members, grassroots advocates, students, and more. Come and share ideas, discover innovative strategies, and forge partnerships to advance land conservation efforts across the state.
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3rd Annual Sustainable and Resilient Communities
Funding Workshop: Connecticut
March 31, 2026 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Gateway Community College – Curran Community Room (N100), 20 Church St, New Haven, CT 06510
Registration Closes March 26, 2026
Join the Long Island Sound Partnership and the CT Sea Grant Sustainable and Resilient Communities (SRC) team at the 3rd Annual Long Island Funding Workshop! The event is free and lunch will be provided. Attendees will hear from program officers representing various local, state, and regional funding organizations and be able to engage in discussions with funders to explore project ideas and ways to improve funding applications. Attendees will also hear from a panel of successful awardees about their experiences and strategies. The workshop is intended for municipal officials and staff, nonprofits, community organizations, and other interested groups in the Long Island Sound region.
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GSI Impact Hub
The GSI Impact Hub is an interactive platform with a suite of resources and tools to help quantify and communicate the multiple benefits – or co-benefits – of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) and assist in siting and planning projects to achieve the greatest impact. The GSI Impact Hub is more than just a website; it is a comprehensive resource center with a collection of resources and tools that capture these co-benefits so that practitioners, advocates, policymakers, and leaders have the evidence-based information they need to design and implement GSI projects that provide the greatest benefits to their communities.
| | State and Regional News Clips | | |
In CT, Opposition to Iroquois Natural Gas Project Crosses Party Lines
CT Mirror - February 8, 2026
Expanding natural gas infrastructure is a centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s agenda to lower energy costs and boost the fossil fuel industry. He has referred to Democrats opposed to such projects as “anti-energy zealots.” But political support for gas pipelines has run into powerful local opposition in a relatively conservative community in Connecticut, where residents are leading a campaign to block a $272 million buildout of the Iroquois Gas Transmission System.
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Supreme Court to Decide Key Issue in Fate of State and City Suits Against Oil Companies Over Climate Change
Inside Climate News - February 23, 2026
The nation’s highest court has agreed to hear a case that raises questions about climate lawsuits across the country and amplifies concerns about the participation of Justice Samuel Alito, who holds significant fossil fuel investments. From Baltimore to Honolulu, cities have made their views clear: Oil companies whose pollution contributed to climate change should be financially responsible for a fair share of the consequences. Fossil fuel companies, in turn, have argued that cities and states should have no ability to sue them over climate impacts in state courts. Instead, they’ve said in legal filings that such disputes should be resolved in federal courts, a venue legal experts say is much more open to their arguments.
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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).
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