Aquidneck Land Trust project awarded nearly $2 million by NOAA, Biden-Harris Administration
Summary
As part of this historic investment in our nations climate resilience the Biden-Harris Administration is investing $2 million to help underserved communities in Rhode Island develop and implement new strategies to protect themselves from increased flooding, storm surge, and extreme weather events.Administered by the Department of Commerce and NOAA, the Climate-Ready Coasts initiative is focused on investing in high-impact projects that create climate solutions by storing carbon; building resilience to coastal hazards such as extreme weather events, pollution and marine debris; restoring coastal habitats that help wildlife and humans thrive; building the capacity of underserved communities and support community-driven restoration; and providing employment opportunities.This historic funding is vital for helping Rhode Island communities confront the unique coastal challenges posed by a changing climate, said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. The funding opportunity focuses on collaborative projects that increase the resilience of coastal communities to extreme weather and other climate change impacts, with a strong emphasis on risk reduction, equity and inclusion, regional coordination, and enduring capacity.Aquidneck Land Trust Executive Director, Terry Sullivan, says, The Land Trust is proud to partner with Middletown, Portsmouth, and Newport, as well as the Navy, in service of helping our Island become more resilient to the impacts of a changing climate. We are all in this together.Additionally, Naval Station Newports Community Planning Liaison Officer, Cornelia Mueller, says, The Navy has recognized the security threat that climate change poses to its military installations around the world. As the fourth community on the Island, Naval Station stands ready to support efforts to implement transformative, resilience-building projects that will, no doubt, enhance the military mission now and into the future.Funding is for four years, slated to begin in October 2024. The effort will add much needed capacity to effectively coordinate and grow regional climate resilience work, focusing on project implementation while engaging and educating the community on the Islands greatest challenges.