September 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

Hurricane and Coastal Resiliency Informational Panel Discussion

Learn more about efforts to prepare and protect Connecticut's coastal neighborhoods, beaches, and natural resources from the Hurricane Coastal Resiliency Panel Discussion moderated by Senator Tony Hwang. As climate change accelerates leading to rising sea levels, stronger storms, and flooding, our coastline is facing real and urgent challenges. Hear from experts at UConn CIRCA, Audubon Connecticut, Fairfield Flood and Erosion Control Board, among others, on how these changes impact our homes, environment, and public safety. Watch the panel HERE.

Resilient Stonington Mystic Final Public Presentation

September 4, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Virtual, Join HERE

On Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM, Fuss & O’Neill and the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) will host a virtual community meeting to discuss strategies for addressing coastal flooding in Downtown Mystic. The session will include a review of project goals, a recap of community engagement to date, and a discussion of flood resilience concepts, with time to identify next steps together. Learn more about the project HERE.

Public Meeting on Resilient Yantic River Project Design Outcomes for Flood Risk Reduction

September 8, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Kelly Middle School, 25 Mahan Drive, Norwich, CT

Join the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation and GZA for a public meeting at Kelly Middle School in Norwich, CT to discuss next steps in flood risk mitigation along the Yantic River corridor as part of the Resilient Connecticut program. Over the past year, the Resilient Yantic River study has explored solutions to reduce flood risk in our community. Now, we're ready to share the results—including three concept designs for: Upper falls dam removal, river channel widening near Norwichtown Commons, voluntary relocation support and risk assessment framework. Come review all the flood risk reduction options we've evaluated, learn why these three were selected for design, and find out how to make these projects happen. Your insights matter in mapping out next steps! For more information on the project, click HERE.

Resilient Piper Brook & Webster Brook Open House Meeting 

September 11, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Alvarium Beer Company, 365 John Downey Dr (B-side room) New Britain, CT

Join us at our Open House to review outcomes of the Resilient CT Piper Brook and Webster Brook Project and learn about flood mitigation strategies for sites along the river corridor. The project, part of CIRCA’S Resilient CT program, seeks to develop flood mitigation strategies that address flooding challenges impacting residents and businesses along the Piper Brook and Webster Brook corridor in the Newington, Berlin, and New Britain communities. Incorporating community input from our first Open House, we have identified priority sites and developed flood mitigation strategies. Our proposed flood measures to protect residents and businesses will be shared for community consideration. Find out more about the project HERE.

CIRCA Resilient Connecticut Summit 2025

Weathering Change: Building Connecticut's Resilient Future

November 13, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location: UConn Avery Point Campus, Branford House, 1080 Shennecossett Road,

Groton, CT 06340

The Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation is hosting a one-day conference at the Branford House at UConn Avery Point in Groton. Please join us to work toward a more Resilient Connecticut! Register for the event HERE, registration closes November 3. Agenda to follow.

Announcements

Governor Lamont, Attorney General Tong, Commissioner Dykes, and Commissioner Juthani Respond to the EPA’s Proposed Repeal of the 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, MD, released the following statements in response to today’s announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it is rescinding the “endangerment finding” – an Obama-era determination that allows the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions 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.

Grants

U.S. Economic Development Administration: FY2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program

Application Deadline for Readiness and Implementation Grants: Rolling

Application Deadline for Industry Transformation Grants: March 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST

The EDA Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program makes approximately $1.45 billion available to support economic recovery activities in areas that received major disaster declarations because of hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. President Trump and Secretary Lutnick are committed to unleashing the potential of the American economy, affording all Americans the opportunity to pursue their version of the American dream. EDA’s FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aims to support communities recovering from major disasters and set them on a path to exceed pre-disaster conditions and transform their local economies in new and vibrant ways.

Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development Grant Program

Application Deadline: September 10

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD) announced multiple funding availability notices under Round 22. Eligible uses of funds include: Costs associated with the investigation, assessment, remediation and development of a brownfield, including but not limited to: soil, groundwater and infrastructure investigation; assessment; remediation; abatement; hazardous materials or waste disposal; long-term groundwater monitoring or monitoring for natural attenuation; other forms of institutional controls; attorneys’ fees (non-DECD contract related), planning, engineering and environmental consulting; building and structural issues (including demolition, asbestos abatement, PCB removal, contaminated wood or paint removal and other infrastructure remedial activities). Public-Private Partnership: DECD hopes to encourage public-private partnerships with this NOFA offering.

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.

Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program

Application Deadline: November 3

The Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program provides funding assistance to develop or enhance urban green spaces for public enjoyment and/or environmental education. Promotion of open space in an urban setting may include, but may not be limited to, the development of a community garden or reclaiming and enhancing existing open space for the public’s use. Grants are awarded to projects that demonstrate the highest ability to benefit urban communities in close proximity to population centers.

Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund 2026

Application Deadline: LOI Due Nov 21, 2025, 4 p.m. EST

The Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund (LISCIF) is a partnership among Restore America’s Estuaries, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Long Island Sound Partnership. The purpose of LISCIF is to provide technical and financial assistance to communities for addressing environmental issues and to improve the quality and accessibility of the Long Island Sound. Technical assistance will be provided through LISCIF and is available to communities/organizations even if one does not submit a proposal for funding.  This is the third round of LISCIF funding. Up to $1,200,000 in competitive funding will be awarded to support projects in New York and Connecticut. Project proposals must incorporate Actions of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).  LISCIF’s funding priorities are aligned with the CCMP themes and Actions. For 2026, LISCIF’s main funding themes are: Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds, Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Informed and Engaged Public  

For LISCIF, the LISS geographic region refers to the Long Island Sound watershed area within New York and Connecticut.

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.

Yale Center on Climate Change and Health: 2025 Connecticut Symposium on Climate Change and Health

September 10, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Location: Lecture Hall at Sterling Memorial Library (Yale University)

120 High Street, New Haven, CT 06511

Join the Yale Center on Climate Change and Health to learn about how climate change affects our health in CT, and how we can work together for a healthy, climate-resilient future during this in-person symposium. The 2025 Connecticut Symposium on Climate Change and Health convenes public health experts, researchers, policymakers, and community and environmental advocates to explore the evolving impacts of climate change on health across the state. 

Clean Transportation Communities of Southern Connecticut: How PURA’s Decision Will Impact School Bus Electrification in Connecticut Webinar

September 18, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) recently established a new Medium- and Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicle (MHD EV) Five-Year Program, introducing new incentives and regulations to help accelerate vehicle electrification across Connecticut. This webinar, presented by Clean Transportation Communities of Southern Connecticut in partnership with the CT Green Bank, will focus on the implications of this decision for school districts as they plan their fleet conversions and the resources available to help them along the way.

UConn CLEAR's Mapping Water in Connecticut: An Introduction

September 25, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

In this first installment of a three-part webinar, UConn CLEAR and Speakers Alfredo Herrera, CT GIS Office and DeAva Lambert, CT DEEP, will be talking about the efforts and activities that the State of Connecticut is conducting and participating in the realm of hydrography and flood mapping. They will cover the base datasets available and the ways in which the state makes use of them. The two following webinars, held on Oct 23rd and Nov 13, will delve further into specific topics and activities related to all things water and hydrography.

CTData: Data for Democracy - Bridging Data Gaps and Building Community Connections (New Haven)

September 26, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Location: 139 Orange Street, #4th floor, New Haven, CT 06510

As nonprofits face funding cuts and rising expenses, it is more crucial than ever to have access to accurate data that helps us manage our resources and meet the growing needs in our communities. As the availability and reliability of federal data becomes unpredictable, nonprofit and public sector professionals must think creatively about how to navigate this changing landscape and find partnerships that can help us maximize the resources available. Join CTData for a 90-minute in-person event designed to foster connections, share resources, and highlight reliable state data. During this event, you will hear from state agency leaders about the data they are working to make available, including updates on ongoing projects and information about data sources you may not have considered. 

NOAA Sea Level Calculator Webinar Series

NOAA's Office for Coastal Management is hosting a series of webinars for the Coastal Inundation Community of Practice designed to help users make the most of quick views in NOAA's Sea Level Calculator. Each session offers guided demonstrations, hands-on scenarios, interactive polls, and opportunities to ask the developers questions.

CT Sustainability and Resiliency Week - 2025

September 28 - October 4

CT Sustainability and Resilience Week is just around the corner! Last year’s inaugural week featured a variety of webinars, panels, workshops, and in-person demonstrations throughout the week, with 29 Connecticut-focused events hosted by 21 Connecticut organizations. Engaging events, demonstrations, and/or announcements on sustainability and resiliency are welcome!

Check out DEEP's new Financial Assistance Tool

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection has crated a new Financial Assistance Tool that allows you to search for DEEP grant programs based on a variety of parameters such as eligibility requirements, grant cycle status, project types and more.

Where Have FEMA Grant Programs in CT Been Cancelled?

CT Mirror - August 1, 2025

The federal government recently cancelled a disaster relief grant program and discontinued another, leaving some projects stuck in various stages — without full funding. The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program has officially ended and is canceling all grants from 2020 to 2023 that have not already been distributed. For Connecticut, only 22% of all BRIC projects have been funded. The rest will remain unfunded. While some projects did not receive funding for other reasons before the grant program was cancelled, many of the more recent projects from 2023 are affected by the cancellation.

Homeowners Rebuild, State Considers Weather Resiliency

After Last Summer's Flooding

NBC CT - August 14, 2025

As we approach one year from the flooding that tore through western Connecticut, resilience is on the mind of homeowners and the state. In Oxford, the Little River behind Melissa Chopak's home was unrecognizable almost one year ago. "The water just completely overtook it. It was there were no more roads, there were no more grass. It was all water,” said Chopak. Her home was one of many damaged along Route 67 during the August 2024 flood. While her home remained standing, her basement was flooded, and an oil spill made it unlivable for weeks.

Connecticut Green Bank and GoodLeap Link to Develop VPPs

Power Technology - August 14, 2025

The collaboration seeks to reduce energy costs, bolster grid resilience and support the state’s commitment to clean energy. Connecticut Green Bank and GoodLeap have partnered to build and operate a network of AI-powered virtual power plants (VPPs) in the US state of Connecticut. The initiative is part of the state’s energy storage solutions programme aimed at deploying residential solar systems coupled with battery energy storage. The collaboration seeks to reduce energy costs, bolster grid resilience and support the state’s commitment to clean energy.

From Quantum Concepts to Traffic Flow: UConn Researcher Reimagines Transportation Resilience

UConn Today - August 19, 2025

In an era of rising climate threats, aging infrastructure, and increasingly complex transportation systems, UConn’s Monika Filipovska is leading a bold and timely research initiative that could revolutionize how cities prepare for and respond to disruptions. Supported by a new grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), her work seeks to harness the power of quantum computing to build more reliable, resilient transportation networks—the essential systems that move people, goods, and services every day.

Hurricane Katrina Forced Changes at FEMA. Trump is Rolling Them Back

National Public Radio - August 27, 2025

Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana 20 years ago this week. The storm killed more than 1,300 people and displaced tens of thousands more. In the years since Katrina, a slew of studies and government reports have found that most of the deaths and much of the destruction could have been avoided. Levees built and maintained by the federal government collapsed during and after the storm, causing massive flooding in New Orleans. Local, state and federal officials struggled to evacuate, rescue and house people as the disaster unfolded in the hardest-hit parts of Louisiana and Mississippi.

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).