CIRCA Municipal Resilience Grant Program and Matching Funds Program Summary January 2019 Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation, University of Connecticut
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CIRCA Municipal Resilience Grant Program andMatching Funds Program Summary
January 2019
Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation, University of Connecticut
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AcknowledgementsThedevelopmentofthisreportwasfundedbyaProjectAgreementbetweentheConnecticutDepartment of Energy and Environmental Protection and the University of ConnecticutCooperative Projects for the project entitled, “Creation of the Connecticut Institute forResilienceandClimateAdaptation.”AboutCIRCACIRCAisamulti‐disciplinary,centerofexcellencethatbringstogetherexpertsinthenaturalsciences, engineering, economics, political science, finance, and law to provide practicalsolutionstoproblemsarisingasaresultofachangingclimate.TheInstitutehelpscoastaland inland floodplain communities in Connecticut and throughout the Northeast betteradapttochangesinclimateandalsomaketheirhuman‐builtinfrastructuremoreresilientwhileprotectingvaluableecosystems,andtheservicestheyoffertohumansociety(food,clean air and water, and energy). The Institute combines the world‐class researchcapabilities ofthe University of Connecticut and the progressive policies and practicalregulatory experience of theConnecticut Department of Energy and EnvironmentalProtection(CTDEEP)totranslatesoundscientificresearchtoactionsthatcanensuretheresilience and sustainability of both the built andnatural environments of the coast andwatershedsofConnecticut.Incollaborationwithlocal,regional,andnationalpartners,theInstitute’smulti‐disciplinaryresearch,outreach,andeducationprogramswillstriveto:
Improvescientificunderstandingofthechangingclimatesystemanditslocalandregionalimpactsoncoastalandinlandfloodplaincommunities;
Developanddeploynaturalscience,engineering,legal,financial,andpolicybestpracticesforclimateresilience;
UndertakeoroverseepilotprojectsdesignedtoimproveresilienceandsustainabilityofthenaturalandbuiltenvironmentalongConnecticut’scoastandinlandwaterways;
Createaclimate‐literatepublicthatunderstandsitsvulnerabilitiestoachangingclimateandwhichusesthatknowledgetomakescientificallyinformed,environmentallysounddecisions;
Fosterresilientandsustainablecommunities–particularlyalongtheConnecticutcoastlineandinlandwaterways–thatcanadapttotheimpactsandhazardsofclimatechange;and
Reducethelossoflifeandproperty,naturalsystemandecologicaldamage,andsocialdisruptionfromhigh‐impactevents.
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PrefaceThisreportprovidesanupdateoncompletedmunicipalandmatchingfundprojectsthataresupportedbyCIRCA fundingand involve collaborationswithCIRCA‐affiliated faculty andstaff.Completedprojectscontainlinkstoproducts,tools,andfindingsthatcanbeusedbyConnecticutcommunitiesastheyplanforandadapttotheimpactsofclimatechangeandsevereweather.Someprojectsmayhavepresentationsorposterswithinformationthatcanalsobereferenced.ProjectscoverCIRCAfocusareasofcoastalfloodingandwaves,inlandflooding, sea level rise, critical infrastructure resilience, living shorelines, andpolicy andplanning.ForregularupdatesonCIRCAprojectspleaserefertotheCIRCAwebsite:circa.uconn.edu.
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TableofContentsMunicipalResilienceGrantProgramProjects…………………………………………………….5‐12Darien‐LowImpactDevelopmentforResilienceAgainstFlooding,StormWater,andClimateChange........................................................................................................................................................5
EastLyme‐CoastalResilience,ClimateAdaptation,andSustainabilityProject..............6
Fenwick–HepburnDuneandMarshPreservationProject..........................................................6
Hartford‐GreenInfrastructureSpecialistforaMoreResilientandSustainableFuture...........................................................................................................................................................................7
MetroCOG–BeardsleyZooGreenInfrastructureProject..............................................................7
MetroCOG–DesigningResilience:LivingShorelinesforBridgeport......................................7
CityofMilford–DevelopingandImplementingaRestorationandManagementPlantoCombatThreatsandChallengestoCoastalDuneResiliencyinUrbanLandscapes..8
NewHaven–NewHavenIndustrialToolbox........................................................................................8
NewHaven–AssessingImpactsofTidesandPrecipitationonDowntownStormSewerSystemThroughUseofReal‐TimeDepthandFlowMonitoring.................................9
NHCOG–BuildingMunicipalResilienceandClimateAdaptationthroughLowImpactDevelopment............................................................................................................................................................9
NHCOG–EnhancingRuralResiliency:AVisionandToolkitforAdaptationintheNorthwestHills.......................................................................................................................................................9
Oxford‐PlanningforFloodResilientandFish‐FriendlyRoad‐StreamCrossingsintheSouthernNaugatuckValley...........................................................................................................................10
SCCOG–SoutheasternConnecticutCriticalFacilitiesAssessment........................................10
SCRCOG‐ClimateAdaptationandResiliencyPlanningforProtectionofPublicDrinkingWater....................................................................................................................................................10
SCRCOG‐DesignandTechnicalGuideforImplementingInnovativeMunicipalScaleCoastalResilienceinSouthernConnecticut........................................................................................11
Stamford–ResilienceOpportunityAssessment...............................................................................11
Waterford–WaterfordMunicipalInfrastructureResilienceProject..................................12
WestCOG–RegionalCRSProgram.............................................................................................................12
CRCOG–CapitolRegionNaturalHazardsMitigationPlan..........................................................14
CleanWaterFund–ExecutionofEASEProgram(“EducationandActionforSecureEnergy”)toprovideeducationandtechnicalassistanceformunicipalitiesplanningforenergysecurityandresilience............................................................................................................14
KentLandTrust–CreationofaStrategicWorkplantoIdentifyParcelsEnhancingClimateResilience..............................................................................................................................................15
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NorthwestConservationDistrict–BuildingMunicipalResilienceUsingLowImpactDevelopmentDesign.........................................................................................................................................15
NorwalkLandTrust–VillageCreekSaltmarshRestorationDemonstration..................16
RiverCOG–RegionalLongTermRecovery‐LandUseResiliencyPlan.................................16
SacredHeartUniversity–StratfordPointLivingShoreline:RestoringCoastalHabitatstoMaintainResiliencyandFunction...................................................................................16
UniversityofConnecticut–HowWillSeaLevelRise‐DrivenShiftsinWetlandVegetationAlterEcosystemServices?....................................................................................................17
UniversityofConnecticut–NaturalResourcesConservationAcademy:FosteringYoungScientistsinConnecticutCommunities...................................................................................17
UniversityofConnecticut–PublicSupportforAdaptationtoSeaLevelRise.................18
UniversityofConnecticut–ResilientCoastalCommunitiesUnderWindandFloodHazards.....................................................................................................................................................................18
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MunicipalResilienceGrantProgramSummary
CIRCAawardedfourroundsofMunicipalResilienceGrants.Therequestforproposalscalledfor projects frommunicipal governments and council of governments for initiatives thatadvanceresilience,includingthecreationofconceptualdesign,construction(demonstrationprojectsorother)ofstructures,orthedesignofpracticesandpoliciesthat increasetheirresiliencetoclimatechangeandsevereweather.Projectproposalsdevelopknowledgeorexperiencethatistransferabletomultiplelocationsin Connecticut and havewell‐defined andmeasurable goals. Preference for fundingwasgiventoprojects that leveragedmultiple fundingsourcesandthat involvedcollaborationwithCIRCAtoaddressatleastoneofthefollowingpriorityareas:
1. Develop and deploy natural science, engineering, legal, financial, and policy bestpracticesforclimateresilience;
2. UndertakeoroverseepilotprojectsdesignedtoimproveresilienceandsustainabilityofthenaturalandbuiltenvironmentalongConnecticut’scoastandinlandwaterways;
3. Foster resilient actions and sustainable communities – particularly along theConnecticut coastline and inlandwaterways – that can adapt to the impacts andhazardsofclimatechange;and
4. Reducethelossoflifeandproperty,naturalsystemandecologicaldamage,andsocialdisruptionfromhigh‐impactevents.
TodateCIRCAhasawardednearly$750,000foreighteenprojectslocatedinninedifferentmunicipalities(Darien,EastLyme,Fenwick,Hartford,Milford,NewHaven,Oxford,Stamford,andWaterford) and five council of governments (MetroCOG,NorthwestHills COG, SouthCentralRegionalCOG,SoutheastCOG,andWesternCOG).Theseprojectsaredescribedinmoredetailbelow.
MunicipalResilienceGrantProgramAwardedProjects
(alphabeticalbyorganization/city)
Darien‐LowImpactDevelopmentforResilienceAgainstFlooding,StormWater,andClimateChangeHeightsRoadinDarienandcommercialpropertiestothenorthfrequentlyfloodduetoanundersizedstreamculvertbeneaththeroad.RunofffromtheadjacentConnecticutDepartmentofTransportationtrainstationparkinglotalsodrainstoHeightsRoadimmediatelytothenorth.ThisfloodmitigationprojectusesprinciplesofLowImpactDevelopmentandconsistsofacombinationoffloodstoragepipesbeneathHeightsRoadandstorageandinfiltrationstructureswiththefillbeneaththenearbytrainstationparkinglot.Theprojectaddressestheneedsofmunicipalitiesandbusinessestoreducetheimpactofclimatechangeandincreasedprecipitation.Thetwoobjectivesofthisprojectare:
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Tomaximizethestormwatervolumethatisstoredorinfiltratedinordertoprovidegreaterfloodresiliencytotheexistingstormwatersystem.
TodevelopaDesignGuidanceChecklistthatwillhaveapplicationtootherfloodingsitesinConnecticutandclearlydefinetasksneededtoevaluateanddesignstormwatermanagementinurbanareasthatmaycontainhistoricalurbanfill.Thisisacomplexprocessthatcanbechallenginggiventhesometimesconflictingtechnicalandregulatoryrequirements.
EastLyme‐CoastalResilience,ClimateAdaptation,andSustainabilityProjectTheTownofEastLymeseekstoenhancecommunitysustainabilityandresiliencetotheimpactsofclimatechange,sealevelrise,andextremeweatherbydevelopingspecificpoliciesandrecommendationsforinclusioninthetown’sPlanofConservationandDevelopment.ThisCIRCAgrantprojectwillcreateanewFloodOrdinanceandestablishaFloodCommissionmadeupofmembersfromtheBoardofSelectman,ZoningCommission,PlanningCommission,andlocalprofessionalssuchasengineers,surveyors,andinsuranceprofessionals.Theprojectwillalso:1)identifyadequatefreeboardrequirements(orfactorsofsafetyexpressedinfeetaboveafloodlevel)andareasinneedofincreasedsafetyinanticipationofsealevelriseandclimatechange;2)identifyprojectssuchaslivingshorelineswithinEastLymethatadvanceresiliency;and3)updatethetown’sGeographicInformationSystemmappingtoincorporateCoastalA‐Zones,municipalwastewaterinfrastructure,CIRCAsitesuitabilityforlivingshorelines,andotherfloodingdata.TheprojectwillbuildonrecentworkbyTheNatureConservancyandalsoleveragecompletedCIRCAresearchprojects.OutcomescanbeusedasamodelforothercoastalcommunitiesandnotonlyincreaseEastLyme’sresilienceandsustainabilitybyestablishingsoundlandusepoliciesandregulations,butmayalsoimprovethetown’scommunityratingwithintheNationalFloodInsuranceProgram.
Fenwick–HepburnDuneandMarshPreservationProjectTheHepburnDuneandMarshPreservationProjectimplementslivingshorelinestrategiesatasiteonthecoastofLongIslandSound,locatedjusteastoftheKatherineHepburnEstateintheOldSaybrookBoroughofFenwick.Abreachofanexistingbeachatthissitewouldlikelyimpact:1)themarshandcreekhydrology,includingfloodinundation;2)erosionandsedimentationwithinthemarsh;3)theecology(floraandfauna)ofthemarsh;4)erosionalongsectionsofthebeach;and5)neighboringinfrastructureandproperty.TheintentofFenwick’sprojectistouseaLivingShoreline(orhybrid)approach,providingbothshorelineprotectionandenvironmentalenhancement.Theprojectinvolvesanalysisofseveralshorelineprotectionalternativesanddesignoftheselectedalternative.Restorationstrategiescouldincludedunerestoration,coirlogplacement,restorationoftidalwetlands,andconstructionoflowprofilestonesills.Inadditiontoselectionanddesignofanappropriatenaturalandnature‐basedshoreprotectionalternative,theprojectgoalsalsoincludeadvancingthetechnicalpracticeofLivingShorelinedesignandconstructioninConnecticut.
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Hartford‐GreenInfrastructureSpecialistforaMoreResilientandSustainableFutureTheCityofHartfordreceivedgrantassistancefromCIRCAtohireaGreenInfrastructureSpecialistfor12months.Hartfordseeksthisassistanceinthecontextofitsrigorous,comprehensiveclimateresiliencyeffort–theClimateStewardshipInitiative(CSI)–whichaimstoimprovequalityoflifethroughenvironmentalstewardship,whileadvancingtheeconomy,improvingpublichealth,andpromotingsocialequity.ThroughtheCSI,Hartfordhascollaboratedwithcorporations,privatefoundations,andgovernmentagenciestomakestridesinfiveactionareas(energy,land,transportation,waste,andwater).Ofthesefiveareas,thecityhastheleastexpertiseandthemostneedintheareaofwater–specificallyinmanagingstormwater.TheGreenInfrastructureSpecialistwillhelpHartfordnotonlyrespondtothreatsofflooding,butalsostrategizeproactivelyforthefuturebyevaluatingandadvancinggreeninfrastructureprojects.
MetroCOG–BeardsleyZooGreenInfrastructureProjectMetroCOGreceivedanawardfora“BeardsleyZooGreenInfrastructureProject”,whichisahighlyvisiblegreeninfrastructureretrofitprojectatthezoolocatedalongthePequonnockRiverinBridgeport.ThiscollaborativeprojectbetweenMetroCOG,theBeardsleyZoo,theConnecticutFundfortheEnvironmentanditsbi‐stateprogramSavetheSoundwillbuildonregionalresilienceplanningeffortsandthesuccessfulcompletionofagreeninfrastructuredemonstrationprojectattheZooinspring2016.Throughtheinstallationof2,000squarefeetofporouspavementandupto2,000squarefeetofbioretentiongardens,over1,000,000gallonsofstormwaterrunoffwillbecapturedandfilteredannuallyfromanacreofexistingparkingarea.Interpretivesignage,targetedoutreach,volunteerengagementopportunities,andworkshopswillhelptoeducatethe275,000peoplewhovisittheZooeachyearaboutstormwaterrunoffandfloodresiliency.WorkshopsconductedbyapartnershipofCFE/SavetheSound,theBeardsleyZoo,andtheNortheastOrganicFarmersAssociationofConnecticut(CTNOFA)willalsoreachtargetaudiencesofunderserved,urbanyouthandadultstopromoteanunderstandingofstormwaterinfrastructureissuesinLongIslandSound,increaseenvironmentalawareness,andenhancegreenjobskills.CIRCA’sfundingforthisprojectissupportinginstallationandoutreacheffortsincludingsignageandworkshops.
MetroCOG–DesigningResilience:LivingShorelinesforBridgeportTheConnecticutMetropolitanCouncilofGovernments(MetroCOG),inpartnershipwiththeCityofBridgeportandTheNatureConservancy(TNC)willdeveloppreliminary,semi‐finalandfinaldesignplansforalivingshorelineprojectatBridgeport’sWestJohnsonCreek.ThisprojectwilladvancedesignconceptsfromtheexistingNationalFishandWildlifeFoundation‐DepartmentofInterior(NWF/DOI)fundedRegionalFrameworkforCoastalResilienceinSouthernConnecticut,whichsupportedthedevelopmentofconceptualdesignsforcoastalresiliency/livingshorelineprojectsidentifiedas“highpriority”bylocalstakeholders.Construction‐readyplansfundedthroughthisroundof
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CIRCA’sMunicipalResilienceGrantProgramwillpositiontheBridgeportprojectforfutureimplementation.Johnson’sCreekislocatedinBridgeport’sEastEnd,adistressedareathathassufferedfromdisinvestmentandpastenvironmentaldegradation.Duetothearea’srelativelylowelevation,itiscontinuallyvulnerabletoflooding.TheNWFfundedconceptualdesignwillreducetheslopetoallowvegetativestabilizationandsupportpotentialwetlandmigration.Otherecologicalbenefitsincludetheremovalofdebrisandinvasivespeciesandthecreationofhabitatformarshspecies.ThedesignisalsoconsistentwithCIRCA’s“EnhancingCoastalResiliencyinConnecticut”sitesuitabilitymodel.Ultimately,thegoalforJohnson’sCreekistocreateapassiverecreationaltrailalongthewaterforpublicuseandrestoration.
CityofMilford–DevelopingandImplementingaRestorationandManagementPlantoCombatThreatsandChallengestoCoastalDuneResiliencyinUrbanLandscapesWith17.5milesofcoast,theCityofMilfordhasthelongestshorelineinthestate.ThiscoastlinewasseverelyimpactedinbothstormsIreneandSandy.Toaddresstheimpactsofthestorms,theCityproposedrestoringadegradedduneinahigh‐trafficareaanddevelopingaplanforpost‐restorationmanagementofthedune.ThegoalofthislivingshorelinesapproachistorestorethenaturalbufferingcapacityofthedunetostormslikeIreneandSandy,makingtheCitymoreresilienttofutureevents.TherestoreddunewillbelocatedinwhatisnowknownastheWalnutBeacharea.Theprojectwillinvolveremovinginvasiveplantspeciesandreplantingwiththosethatarenative.TheCityofMilfordhopesthatcreatingadunedemonstrationsiteinthisregionwillserveasamodelforothersimilarprojectsinMilfordandinothercoastaltownsandcities.Thisprojectalsofeaturesastrongpublicengagementcomponent.TheCitywillprovideeducationalopportunitiesforcitizensandvisitorsaliketolearnaboutdunerestorationandenhancementandaboutlivingshorelinesactivitiesmoregenerally.ThisprojectinvolvesadirectpartnershipwiththeWalnutBeachAssociationwithsupportfromtheConnecticutSeaGrantandtheLongIslandSoundStudyOutreachProgram.
NewHaven–NewHavenIndustrialToolboxTheCityofNewHavenisacoastaltownwithrepetitivefloodingproblems.Inresponsetofrequentflooding,theCityorganizedtheProgramforPublicInformation,acommitteechargedwithmakingrecommendationstohelpaddressfloodingissues.OnerecommendationofthecommitteewastocreateandimplementtheNewHavenCommercialIndustrialToolbox(CIT).TheCITwillenhancetheresilienceoftheCity’scommercialinfrastructuretofloodingandsealevelrisebyservingasaguidebookforthenecessarystepsallownersshouldtakebeforeafloodingeventoccurs.Whencomplete,theCITwillbeamanualthat1)protectspeopleandpropertyfromflooding;2)ensuresthatfederalfloodinsuranceanddisasterassistanceareavailable;3)savetaxdollars;4)avoidliabilityandlawsuits;and5)reducefuturefloodlosses.TheCITishighlytransferableto
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othermunicipalitiesinConnecticutthatareadverselyimpactedbyfloodingandsealevelrise.OncetheCITisdeveloped,theCityofNewHavenwillcollaboratewithCIRCAtodistributetheCITthroughoutthestate.
NewHaven–AssessingImpactsofTidesandPrecipitationonDowntownStormSewerSystemThroughUseofReal‐TimeDepthandFlowMonitoringTheCityofNewHavenwasawardeditssecondCIRCAMunicipalResilienceGrantforaprojectentitled,“AssessingImpactsofTidesandPrecipitationonDowntownStormSewerSystem”ThroughUseofReal‐TimeDepthandFlowMonitoring.”Thecityexperiencesfrequentfloodingatseverallocationscrucialtothefunctioningofthecityandregionaltransportationsystemsduringhighintensity,shortdurationrainfallevents.Thefloodingisexacerbatedduringhightideeventssuchthatasmallstorm(lessthanaoneyearoccurrence)canleadtofloodingofcriticalfacilities.Significantgapsandinconsistenciesstillexistintheunderstandingofthislargeandcomplexdrainagearea.Untilnow,theCity’sstrategylackedalong‐termdatagatheringcomponenttoprovidedataontheperformanceoftheCity’sstormwaterinfrastructureinwidelyvaryingconditions.ThisCIRCAfundedprojectwillcreatealow‐cost“smartcity”stormwatersensornetworktoprovideadetailedrecordoftheinteractionofrainfall,tides,greenstormwaterinfrastructure,andsewerconveyancesystemsonthehydrologyofNewHaven’surbancore.AbetterunderstandingofsystemresponseduringarangeofhydrologicconditionswillallowtheCitytovalueengineercost‐effectiveandresilientsolutions.TechniquesandapproachesdevelopedinNewHavenalsobetransferredtootherurbancommunitiesfacingsimilarproblems.
NHCOG–BuildingMunicipalResilienceandClimateAdaptationthroughLowImpactDevelopmentWithflooding,erosion,andsedimentationbecominganincreasingconcernforNorthwestConnecticuttowns,theNorthwestHillsCouncilofGovernments(NHCOG)proposedthecreationandadoptionofaLowImpactDevelopment(LID)DesignManual.TheLIDDesignManualwillincludethespecificinformationneededbyengineersandprojectdesignerstosuccessfullyconstructLIDprojects.Additionally,theLIDpracticesdescribedandpromotedinthemanualwillservetoincreasetheresilienceofConnecticut’ssmalltownsbyprotectingtheirdrinkingwatersuppliesandotherwaterresources,improvingtheirwaterqualitywithinwatersheds,protectingagriculturalresources,andprotectingthebuilthumanenvironmentfromflooding.Whencomplete,thismanualmaybeusedinanytowninConnecticut.Theapplicanthasleveragedfinancialsupportfromseveralsources,includingtheTownofMorris,theCommunityFoundationofNorthwestConnecticut,theConnecticutCommunityFoundation,andtheBantamLakeProtectiveAssociation.
NHCOG–EnhancingRuralResiliency:AVisionandToolkitforAdaptationintheNorthwestHillsTheNorthwestHillsCouncilofGovernment(NHCOG)receivedanawardforitsproject,“EnhancingRuralResiliency:AVisionandToolkitforAdaptationintheNorthwestHills.”NHCOGandregionalpartnerswilluseCIRCA’ssupporttocraftavisionofAResilient
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NorthwestHillsandproduceaweb‐hostedclimatechangeadaptationtoolkitformunicipalities.Asaregionof21‐towns,theNorthwestHillswillexperienceavarietyofclimatechangesincludingchangestoprecipitationrates,shiftsinseasons,increasedhighheatandhigh‐ozonedays,andextremeweatherevents.TheNHCOG’sMunicipalResilienceGrantprojectisconsistentwiththeir2017regionalPlanofConservationandDevelopment,whichspecificallyidentifiesclimatechange‐relatedpoliciesandspecificallylistspreparing,“aclimatechangeadaptationplanincludingaweb‐basedtoolkit”asastrategytohelpachievethegoal.Whilethisprojectachievesseveralregionalobjectives,itwillalsobehighlytransferabletoothertownsinConnecticut.
Oxford‐PlanningforFloodResilientandFish‐FriendlyRoad‐StreamCrossingsintheSouthernNaugatuckValleyTheTownofOxford,inpartnershipwiththeTownofSeymour,willassessitsroad‐streamcrossingstoidentifyundersizedstructures(lookingatcurrentandfutureclimateconditions).Inbothtowns,road‐streamcrossingsarehighlyvulnerabletofloodsaswellaspotentialareasforconscious,conservation‐orienteddevelopment.Thetownswillworkwithseveralpartnerstoidentifyprioritycrossings,inordertotargettheirfuturemitigationefforts.OxfordandSeymourwilldeveloppre‐replacementplansforstructuresmostat‐risk,andprioritizedbasedonflooddamagerisk,crossingconditionandmaintenanceneed,andhabitatrestorationvalue.ThetownsplanstocollaboratewithCIRCAfortheculvertvulnerabilitymodelingportionoftheproject.Throughthisprojectthetownswillalsodeveloparoad‐streamcrossinginventoryandamanagementplan.Theresultingplanningdocumentswillbeadoptedasanannextoeachtown’sNaturalHazardMitigationPlanfacilitatingimplementationoftheidentifiedmitigationresponses.
SCCOG–SoutheasternConnecticutCriticalFacilitiesAssessmentTheSoutheasternConnecticutCouncilofGovernments(SCCOG)conductedanassessmentof18community facilities located inornear floodzones thatarecritical forongoingpublicservices,includingfireandpolicestations,townhalls,anddepartmentsofpublicworks.Theassessmentidentifiestheriskstopropertiesandservicecontinuationfromflooding,winddamage, and snow loads now and over the next several decades. For each site, theassessment recommends appropriate flood prevention measures, potentially includingrelocation,sitemodificationssuchasfloodwalls, floodproofing,andelevationofutilities.ThisCIRCAfundedprojectwasarecommendationoftheregion’s2012Multi‐JurisdictionalHazardMitigationPlan.Resultswillhelpmunicipalitiesincorporateresilienceplanningintofundingpriorities.
SCRCOG‐ClimateAdaptationandResiliencyPlanningforProtectionofPublicDrinkingWaterSCROGisintegratingclimatechangeinformationintowaterplanningprocessesfortheSouthCentralregionaswellasdevelopinganadaptationplanfortheregionandtheSouthCentralConnecticutRegionalWaterAuthority.Withchangingprecipitationpatterns,sealevelrise,
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anddroughtanticipatedduetoclimatechange,waterresourcemanagerswillbenefitfromintegrationofclimatedata intoplanning.TheSCRCOGisworkingwithregionalplanners,utilitywatermanagers,andclimatescienceexpertstoidentifyclimaterisksandthresholdsofimportancetotheregionswaterutilities,conductahistoricalclimatedataanalysisfortheregion, and prepare/analyze future climate projections and impacts. Using a scenarioapproach SCRCOG will assist water utility managers as they incorporate this data intoplanning activities. SCRCOG will also create a guide for other regional entities and/ormunicipalitiesconsideringintegrationofclimatechangedataintoplanningefforts.
SCRCOG‐DesignandTechnicalGuideforImplementingInnovativeMunicipalScaleCoastalResilienceinSouthernConnecticutCoastaladaptationandresilienceplanningatthemunicipalscalefacesmultiplechallengesincludingconcernswiththetaxbase,lackofdecisionsupporttools,andgapsinvaluingurbanecosystemservices.ThisCIRCAgrantprojectseekstoovercomechallengesthatpractitioners,planners,andpolicymaker’sencounterbyusingcoastaladaptationstrategiesappliedtoprojectsinOldFieldCreekinWestHavenandCoseyBeachinEastHaven.ThesetwoprojectsbuildonpasteffortsoftheRegionalFrameworkforCoastalResilienceinSouthernCTandtheYaleUrbanEcologyDesignLab(UEDLAB)projectfundedbyTheNatureConservancy.SitesinWestandEastHavenareatdifferentstagesinplanningandeachisdistinctinpopulationdensity,hydrology,erosionandwavepatterns,andtypesofhabitat.Buildingonpreviousexperiencesandfindings,acoregroupoflandscapearchitects,regionalplanners,landuseattorneys,economists,andengineerswillworkcloselywiththemunicipalitiestocreateinitialdesignproposalsandleveragetheplanningprocessdevelopedaspartoftheRegionalFrameworkforCoastalResilience.OutcomeswillincludeaDesignandTechnicalGuidebasedonevaluationfromanEconomicAnalysis/DecisionMakingSupportTool.TheDesignandTechnicalGuidewillbeintegratedintothemunicipalplanningprocess.Theseoutcomeswillhelptransitionmunicipalitiesdrivenbyhardinfrastructure,roadtransportationanddeveloper‐drivenhousingtospacescreatedwithequity,humanhealth,ecosystemfunction,andclimatechangeasdriversofplanninganddesign.
Stamford–ResilienceOpportunityAssessmentStamfordwasawardedaCIRCAgrantforits“ResilienceOpportunityAssessment”forapilotprojecttoreviewthepotentialvulnerabilitytoclimatechangehazardsattheStamfordGovernmentCenterandStamfordHighSchool.GovernmentCenteriswherethemajorityofCityoperationsarehousedtheschoolisoneofseverallocationsservingasapublicemergencyshelterduringblackoutsandstorms.TheCityispartneringwithNewEcology,Inc.,aHartford‐basednon‐profitthathasdevelopedaresilienceassessmentprocessforidentifyinghazards(includingflooding,erosion,drought,extremeheatandcold,storms,fires,etc.)andimplementationpriorities(includingbutnotlimitedto:elevatingmechanicalandelectricalequipment,floodproofingbuildings,floodbarriers,perimeterdrains,backflowpreventers,portablewaterstorage,etc.).TheproductofthisCIRCAMunicipalResilienceGrantwillbeasetofrecommendationsformitigationapproachesrankedin
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termsofcost,risk,andvulnerabilityforthesetwobuildings.Thispilotassessmentwillnotonlyprovideanopportunitytoadvanceresiliencyinspecificmunicipalbuildings,butanopportunitytoimprovehowtheentireCityfunctionsandrecoversfrompossibledisaster.
Waterford–WaterfordMunicipalInfrastructureResilienceProjectThrougharecentworkshop,facilitatedbytheNatureConservancy,theTownofWaterfordidentifiedtheirsewerpumpstationsaspotentiallyhighlyvulnerabletoimpactsfromfloodingandsealevelrise.Thetown’sWaterfordMunicipalInfrastructureResilienceProjectisatwo‐partprojectthatwillassessthevulnerabilitiesofthesewerpumpsstationsaswellasincludeananalysisofdrainageatGardinersWoodRoad.CIRCAispleasedtofundthesewerpumpstationassessmentandadaptationportionoftheproject.UnderthisassessmenttheTownwillconductaninventoryofsewerpumpstationsintheSpecialFloodHazardArea(theFEMA100‐yearfloodplain).TheTownwillthencreatealistofpriorityactionsandcostestimatestoreduceeachsewerpumpstation’spresentandfuturevulnerability.ThisportionoftheTown’sprojectwillcreateareplicableprocessthatcanbeappliedtoothersewerpumpstationswithinWaterfordaswellasotherConnecticutmunicipalities.Thisisakeyfirststepinaddressingthevulnerabilitiesofthesewerpumpstationsinthetown.WastewatertreatmentplantsystemsareconsideredcriticalinfrastructurethatareoftenatriskfromfloodingthroughoutConnecticut.
WestCOG–RegionalCRSProgramInordertostemthehighcostoffloodingtohomeandbusinessowners,theFederalEmergencyManagementAgency(FEMA)offersfloodinsuranceincommunitiesthatcomplywithbasicfloodplainmanagementstandardsthroughtheNationalFloodInsuranceProgram.CommunitiesmaychoosetoenterintotheNationalFloodInsuranceProgram’sCommunityRatingSystem(CRS)inordertoreducethecostoffloodinsurancepremiumsfortheirpropertyowners.CommunitiesparticipatingintheCRSgoaboveandbeyondtheminimumstandardsand,dependingontheirlevelofmitigationefforts,theycangarnerinsurancepremiumreductionsfrom5‐45%.Inthisproject,theWesternConnecticutCouncilofGovernments(WestCOG)willtakestepstocreatearegionalCRSprogramtoassistcommunitieswithinWesternConnecticutastheyundertakethechallengingCRSprogram.EstablishingthisprogramwillprovidefloodresiliencybenefitsfortheWesternConnecticutregionandmaybeusedasamodelthroughoutConnecticut.CIRCAwillprovideassistancefortheRegionalCRSkickoffmeeting,outreach,training,datagathering,andanalysis.AdditionalfundspledgedbytheWesternConnecticutCouncilofGovernmentswillfurtherprovidesupportfordevelopmentoftheRegionalCRSProgram.
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MatchingFundsGrantProgramSummary
TheCIRCAMatchingFundsProgramconsideredrequestsfromConnecticutmunicipalities,institutions,universities,foundations,andothernon‐governmentalorganizationsformatchingfundsforprojectsthataddressthemissionoftheInstitute.Tobefunded,asuccessfulMatchingFundsrequestmusthaveacommitmentofprimaryfundingwithin6monthsoftheCIRCAawardannouncement,orhavereceivedawaiverfromtheCIRCAExecutiveSteeringCommittee.CIRCAMatchingFundsprovideupto25%oftheprimaryfunder’scontribution(fromotherthanamunicipalorStateofConnecticutfunding)toenhancethelikelysuccessofprojectproposalsthatadvanceCIRCAresearchandimplementationpriorities.Projectsdevelopknowledgeand/orexperiencethatistransferabletomultiplelocationsinConnecticutandhavewell‐definedandmeasurablegoals.PreferenceforfundingwasgiventoprojectsthatinvolvecollaborationwithCIRCAtoaddressatleastoneofthefollowingpriorityareas:
Improvescientificunderstandingofthechangingclimatesystemanditslocalandregionalimpactsoncoastalandinlandfloodplaincommunities;
Developanddeploynaturalscience,engineering,legal,financial,andpolicybestpracticesforclimateresilience;
UndertakeoroverseepilotprojectsdesignedtoimproveresilienceandsustainabilityofthenaturalandbuiltenvironmentalongConnecticut’scoastandinlandwaterways;
Createaclimate‐literatepublicthatunderstandsitsvulnerabilitiestoachangingclimateandwhichusesthatknowledgetomakescientificallyinformed,environmentallysounddecisions;
Fosterresilientactionsandsustainablecommunities–particularlyalongtheConnecticutcoastlineandinlandwaterways–thatcanadapttotheimpactsandhazardsofclimatechange;and
Reducethelossoflifeandproperty,naturalsystemandecologicaldamage,andsocialdisruptionfromhigh‐impactevents.
Proposalswerereceivedandreviewedonatwomonthrollingbasis.CIRCAawardedover$330,000fortheelevenprojectsdescribedbelow.
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MatchingFundsGrantProgramAwardedProjects
(alphabeticalbyorganization)
CRCOG–CapitolRegionNaturalHazardsMitigationPlanTheCapitolRegionCouncilofGovernments(CRCOG)wasawardedPre‐DisasterMitigationgrantfundingfromFEMAtoupdateamulti‐jurisdictionalnaturalhazardmitigationplanbymid‐2019andCIRCA’sMatchingFundsawardsupportstheirplanupdate.Thegoalsoftheupdateprojectare:1)toassistparticipatingmunicipalitiesinassessingrisksandlocalcapabilitiesrelatedtonaturaldisasters,andevaluatingandestablishingmitigationstrategiesincludingpoliciesandactionsthatcanbeimplementedtoreduceriskandfuturelossesfromfloods,damfailure,drought,forestfires,winterstorms,hurricanes,tornados,windstorms,earthquakes,sealevelriseandothernaturalhazardsidentifiedthroughtheplanningprocess;and2)createaFEMA‐approvednaturalhazardmitigationplanupdatethatwillenableparticipatingmunicipalitiestoapplyforFEMAhazardmitigationprojectgrants.Theplanningprocesswillincludeathoroughreviewofthecurrentregionalnaturalhazardsmitigationplansaswellasnewresearchandanevaluationofotherexistingreports,plans,mapsandmunicipalregulationsandordinances,particularlynewdocumentsavailablesincethepreparationofthecurrentplan.
ProjectLead:LynnePikeDiSanto PrimaryFundingSource:FEMA
CleanWaterFund–ExecutionofEASEProgram(“EducationandActionforSecureEnergy”)toprovideeducationandtechnicalassistanceformunicipalitiesplanningforenergysecurityandresilienceEASE(“EducationandActionforSecureEnergy”)isafocusedprogramofeducationandtechnicalassistancetohelplocaldecisionmakersinConnecticutplanforasecuresupplyofenergyinextremeweatherandotheremergenciesandtoplanmorebroadlyforlocalenergysecurityandindependence.EASEbringstogetherstateandprivatesectorexperts,andapeertopeersupportsystemtohelpparticipantsaddressthesechallengesandtakefulladvantageofemergingrenewabletechnologies.TheprogramisrunthroughTheCleanWaterFund,whichconsistsofateamofexpertadvisorsonenergy,infrastructure,andplanning.
ThisCIRCAMatchingFundgrantallowsanEASEpilotprogramtoberefinedandfullyimplemented.Thepilotwasinitiallypresentedinthefallof2016toanaudienceofvolunteersfromCleanEnergyTaskForces.Arefinedcurriculumwillberolledouttoanexpandedaudienceofelectedofficials,appointedboardsandcommissions,municipalstaffandvolunteercommitteemembersinthewinterandspringof2017.Thisprogramwillsupporttheestablishmentofsolidframeworksandroadmapstoguidelocalplanningforenergysecurityandresiliency.ItwillproduceandprovideclearandtechnicallysoundapproachesandstrategiesforengagingneededlocalpartnerstohelpthoseresponsibleforenergysupplymanagementandsecurityinConnecticutmunicipalities.EASEwillhelplocalgovernmentstaff,board,andcommissionmemberstoreachasharedunderstandingof
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whatittakestoensuretheresiliencyoflocalenergysystemsandinfrastructuretokeepourcommunitiessafe.
ProjectLead:MelissaEverett,CleanWaterFund PrimaryFundingSource:EmilyHallTremaineFoundation
KentLandTrust–CreationofaStrategicWorkplantoIdentifyParcelsEnhancingClimateResilience The Kent Land Trust was established in 1989 to preserve natural resources in Kent and surrounding areas through land protection, stewardship, public outreach, education, and research. The primary goal of their CIRCA Matching Fund project was to develop a more science-based climate-focused land acquisition and land management strategy. The new model strikes a balance between cultural, historic, and aesthetic considerations and natural resource criteria linked to climate resilience. The Kent Land Trust uses this conservation strategy to increase engagement with partners to develop more sustainable natural and human communities. Outcomes include:
1. EstablishmentofenhancedselectioncriteriaforKLTlandprotectionefforts,2. Comprehensiveandscience‐basedmanagementprioritiesforexistingproperties
basedontherevisedconservationstrategy,3. EngagementwiththeTownofKent,includingtheKentConservationCommission,
andotherlocalandregionalconservationpartnersinassociatedeffortstodevelopmoresustainablecommunities.
ProjectLead:ConnieManes,KentLandTrust PrimaryFundingSource:KentLandTrust
NorthwestConservationDistrict–BuildingMunicipalResilienceUsingLowImpactDevelopmentDesignNorthwestConservationDistrict(NCD)isworkinginpartnershipwithCIRCAandtheNorthwestHillsCOGtodevelopamodelLowImpactDevelopment(LID)DesignManual.TheprototypemanualhasbeendevelopedinthetownofMorriscontainingBantamLakeandsubstantialdrinkingwaterwatershedlands.WiththisCIRCAMatchingFundaward,NCDwillproducecustomizedLIDDesignManualstoguidedevelopmentinthetownsofWashington,WarrenandWoodbury.NCDisworkingwithelectedofficials,landusecommissionsandstaffaswellasthedesign/buildcommunitytobuildbroadunderstandingandsupportfortheuseofLID.EachtownwilladopttheircustomizedLIDManualasthestandardforfuturedevelopment.TheLIDManualswillestablishclearexpectationsforalllandusechanges,enhancecooperationamongallpartiesandimproveenvironmentalprotection.TheLIDDesignManualwillprovidethetechnicalframeworktoimplementstrategiestoprotectlocalwaterresourcesfromadverseimpactsassociatedwithclimatechangeanddevelopment.
ProjectLead:JeanCronauer,NorthwestConservationDistrict PrimaryFundingSource:ConnecticutCommunityFoundation
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NorwalkLandTrust–VillageCreekSaltmarshRestorationDemonstrationTheVillageCreekSaltmarshRestorationprojectwillrestoresustainabilityandresiliencytothedegradedVillageCreekEstuaryinNorwalk,CT.Propertydamageduetocoastalfloodinghappensveryfrequentlyinthisareaandwiththeincreaseinsealevelriseandextremeweatherevents,coastaldamageisprojectedtoincreaseevenmoreinthecomingyears.Historically,thishealthyecosystemactedasabuffertostormdamage.However,afteryearsofcontaminationandneglectithaslostitsfunctionality,notonlytocoastalresiliencebutashabitatforimportantaquaticspeciesthatliveintheSound.Throughlargelyinvestigatoryandscientificanalyses,theVillageCreekSaltmarshRestorationprojectwillassessthemostfeasibleandcosteffectivewaytobringstabilityandresiliencybacktothiscoastalcommunity.
ProjectLead:RobEverich,NorwalkLandTrust PrimaryFunding:LongIslandSoundFuturesFund
RiverCOG–RegionalLongTermRecovery‐LandUseResiliencyPlanTheRiverCOGisdevelopingaRegionalLongTermRecoveryandLandUseMitigationPlanfor17townsbasedonreal‐timedataandforecasts,mapping,andbestmanagementengineeringpracticesforinfrastructure(transportation,water,wastewater,utilities)astheyrelatetoresilienceinlandusepoliciesandclimateadaptation.ThePlanwillcreateatemplatefortownstoincorporatelanduseandinfrastructurepoliciesthatwillimproveresiliencyfromnaturalhazardeventsandastrategyforlongtermrecoveryeffortsafternaturalhazardevents,specificallythosethatcausecoastalandriparianinundation.
ThecreationofthePlanwillstrengthenthe17towns’capabilitiestomitigatedamagefromstormevents,reactmorequicklyintheirrecoveryefforts,andprovideaclearpathtowardresiliencyinthefaceofclimatechangeandrisingseas.TheRegionalLongTermRecoveryPlanwillguiderecoveryactionsthatresultinanoverallresilient,safe,physicallyaccessible,sustainable,andeconomicallystrongregion.Theprojectisdesignedtoencouragepartnershipbetweenlocal,regional,andstategoverningbodies,theprivatebusinesssector,andtheresidentsoftheregion.Encouragingcollaborationofthe17townswillexpeditetherecoveryprocessthroughsharingresourcesandeducatingalargesegmentofthepublic.
ProjectLead:JeanDavies,LowerConnecticutRiverValleyRegionalCOG PrimaryFundingSource:HUD
SacredHeartUniversity–StratfordPointLivingShoreline:RestoringCoastalHabitatstoMaintainResiliencyandFunctionLedbyresearchersatSacredHeartUniversity,thisprojectexpandsanexistinglivingshorelineprojectatStratfordPoint,FairfieldCounty,Connecticut.On‐goingcoastalrestorationeffortsandresearchatthesiteconsistofanartificialreef,smoothcordgrass(Spartinaalterniflora)marsh,highmarsh,coastalduneanduplandwoody/grassland
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mosaics.Intotal,theprojectwillprovideanadditional750feetofcoastalerosioncontrol,4.5acresofintertidalhabitat,1.5acresofcoastaldunehabitatand25acresofwoodland/meadowmix.Subsequentmonitoringwillprovideadditionalunderstandingregardingthepotentialeffectivenessoflivingshorelinesasameanstoincreasecoastalresilienceandwillinformfuturedesigns/guidelinesforConnecticutandcoastalcommunitiesinNewEngland.
ProjectLead:JenniferMattei,SacredHeartUniversityDepartmentofBiology PrimaryFunding:U.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineersConnecticutIn‐LieuFeeProgram
UniversityofConnecticut–HowWillSeaLevelRise‐DrivenShiftsinWetlandVegetationAlterEcosystemServices?Thisprojectexamineshowsealevelrise(SLR)‐inducedshiftsinvegetationwillmediateecosystemserviceprovisionbyLIScoastalwetlands.Specifically,theprojectwill:1)quantifythedeliveryofecosystemservicesassociatedwithdominanttidalwetlandplantspeciesoftheLIS;2)examineimpactsofSLRandinteractions;3)forecasthowshiftsindominanttidalwetlandspecieswillalterecosystemserviceprovisionofLIScoastalwetlands;4)promoteunderstandingofthecomplexinteractionsamongSLR,coastalwetlands,andecosystemservicesamongdiverseaudiencesintheLISregion.
ProjectLead:BethLawrence,UConnNaturalResourcesandtheEnvironment PrimaryFunding:LongIslandSoundStudy–CTSeaGrantResearchAwards
UniversityofConnecticut–NaturalResourcesConservationAcademy:FosteringYoungScientistsinConnecticutCommunitiesTheNaturalResourcesConservationAcademy’smissionistoprovidetransformativeandauthenticlearningopportunitiestodiversegroupsofhighschoolstudents;stimulatingcriticalthinking,creativity,decision‐making,andappreciationofscienceapplicationandnaturewhilecontributingtolocalenvironmentalsolutions.TheNRCAdirectlyeducateshighschoolstudentsfromthroughoutthestateeachyearonclimatechangeeffectsinConnecticutaswellassolutionstoclimatechangeissues.AllNRCAstudentconservationprojectsareconductedinbothcoastalandinlandcommunitiesandamajorityofprojectsaddressadaptationormitigationsolutionstoclimatechange.Studentconservationprojectsalsooftenincludeaneducationalcomponent,inwhichthestudent’scommunitywilllearnabouttheclimatechangeissuethatthestudent’sprojectisaddressingandpossiblesolutions.NRCAwilladvancethedevelopmentofresilienceandsustainabilityofcoastalandinlandcommunitiesthatarevulnerabletotheimpactsofclimatechange.
ProjectLead:LauraCisneros,UConnNaturalResourcesandtheEnvironment PrimaryFunding:DieboldFoundation
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UniversityofConnecticut–PublicSupportforAdaptationtoSeaLevelRiseThisprojectisintendedtoprovideinsightaboutthepublicvalueofgainsandlossesinbothnaturalandbuiltassetsmaintainedinthefaceofadynamic,changingcoastalenvironment.Theprojectwilldevelopandimplementasurvey,drawingonestablishedtoolsofenvironmentaleconomicstogatherknowledgeaboutfactorsaffectingthewillingnessofConnecticutcoastalresidentstosupportincentivesorprogramsthatleadcoastallandownersanddecisionmakerstoalterplansforclimateadaptationtobetterreflectthevalueofpublictrustresourcesthatmaybelostasaresultofanarrowfocusondefenseofbuiltassets.
Aspreadsheet‐basedtoolwillbecreatedthatdecision‐makingadvisorscouldusetoevaluatetherelativevalueofclimateadaptationscenariosinthecontextoflandownersinapositiontoproposeadaptationactionsusingconventionalcoastalarmoringorgreen(er)options.Theprojectwillalsocontribute:
Knowledgeregardinghowcoastalstakeholdersidentifytherelativevalueofcriticalcoastalhabitatsinthecontextoftheirdesiretosustainservicesofdevelopedland‐useswhileprotectingecosystemassetsaffectinghumanwell‐being;
Quantitativeandqualitativeevaluationofpublicprioritiesforrationaluseofcoastalandmarinespace;
Economicandsocialscience‐basedinformationtoaidcommunitiesdevelopingplansforcoastalresiliencetobebetterabletoidentifypolicyorincentivealternativesthatbalancehuman‐builtandnaturalassets;
Foundationsforpolicydecisionsthatbetteraligneconomicincentiveswithsuchpublicpriorities.
Beneficiarieswillincludepolicyandlegislativeofficials(throughouroutreachinvolvement),residentsofcoastalcommunitiesneedingtounderstandtheprioritiesoftheirneighbors,andconservationorganizationsattemptingtosustainecosystemservices.
ProjectLead:StephenSwallow,UConnAgriculturalandResourceEconomics PrimaryFunding:ConnecticutSeaGrantResearchAwards
UniversityofConnecticut–ResilientCoastalCommunitiesUnderWindandFloodHazardsThisprojectseekstoimprovetheresiliencyofcoastalcommunitiesbybetterunderstandingthetrade‐offsinsinglefamilyresidential(SFR)buildingdesignthatispreferredforreductionoffloodhazardexposure(viaelevation)but,simultaneously,increasingexposuretowind‐relatedhazards.BecausefloodingcausedsomuchdamageduringSandy,theadaptiveresponsehasbeentochangezoningregulationsandbuildingcodestorequire,incertainlocations,elevationofsingle‐familyhomesabovenewhigherfloodlevels.Forexample,inFairfieldwherefloodingdamagedthousandsofhomes,48single‐familyresidencesarenowelevatedwithadditionalSFRelevationsalreadyintheplanningstages.Whileelevatinghomesminimizesfloodrisk,thesenewlyelevatedhomesmaynowbeatgreaterriskfromexposuretodamagingwinds.
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ComplicatingwindhazardexposuresinConnecticutandotherNewEnglandregionsareSFRbuildingdesignswhichtendtobemultiplestorieshigh(e.g.,typicalcolonial)withsteeplyslopingroofs.Thesetypicaldesignelementsexacerbatethepotentialriskfromwinddamagebecausebuildingheightandroofslopeincreasewindloads.And,whileexistingSFRhomesmustbeelevated,nowindretrofitdesignelementsarerequiredtobeinstalledduringtheelevationprocess.Thequestioncoastalcommunities’mustconsideris,doSFRelevationrequirementswithoutconsiderationofadditionalwindloadexposuremaketheircommunitymore(orless)resilient?Thisprojectaimstohelpcoastalcommunitiesanswerthisquestionbyexploringthetradeoffsbetweenfloodandwindrisks.Toevaluatethesetrade‐offs,damageassessmentmethodologiesforcoastalcommunitiesunderwindandfloodhazardswillbebuiltandappliedtoreal‐worldresidentialbuildingsinFairfieldandMilford.Deliverablesinclude:1)geographicalinformationsystems(GIS)basedcommunityresiliencymapsforwindandfloodhazards;2)mapsshowingpotentialreductionsinseparateandmulti‐hazardvulnerabilities;3)designparametersfornewandretrofitSFR,suchasrecommendedelevationheightoflowrisebuildingstoavoidfloodhazard,buildingtypeorrooftypeandslope,etc.;and4)educationalmaterialsonwind/floodhazardandrecommendationstoimprovecoastalcommunityresiliency.
ProjectLead:WeiZhang,UConnCivilandEnvironmentalEngineering PrimaryFunding:ConnecticutSeaGrantResearchAwards
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