#1SNEP NETWORK Rhode Island Grant Funding Workshop March 13, 2024 10:00AM - 12:00PM New England neefc Environmental Finance Center ELIZABETH SCOTT CONSULTING SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants newin New England Water Infrastructure Network new england environmental finance center NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service NARRAGANSETT BAY ESTUARY PROGRAM 93 NATION SNEP RHODE ISLAND INFRASTRUCTURE BANK Southeast New England Program WILDLING NFWF DEM RHODE ISLAND#2SNEP Today's Agenda NETWORK 10:00 Introduction 10:05 Martha Sheils – NEEFC Director Opening Remarks - Mel Coté, Chief of the Surface Water Protection Branch of the Water Division, EPA Region 1 Overview of Funding Programs 10:15 11:10 Group Q&A 11:20 Meet the Funders! New England neefc Environmental Finance Center#3SNEP NETWORK Access Q&A and Live Closed Captioning You can ask questions in the Q & A box in your zoom control panel If you have any tech issues, use the chat feature to connect with the webinar hosts The webinar will be recorded and we will send the recording after the meeting To view closed captions, click on the closed caption feature in your zoom control panel at the bottom your screen CC 29 Chat Share Screen Record Show Captions Reactions Apps New England neefc Environmental Finance Center#4SNEP NETWORK The Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Network The SNEP Network is a collaborative network of partners with expertise in stormwater management, financing, water quality and habitat restoration, green infrastructure, low impact development, and watershed-scale conservation and restoration. Boston Massachusetts Bay Worcester Audubon Society of Rhode Island UNC Blackstone Watershed Collaborative CAFE COD COMMISON Blackstone Watershed Collaborative Cape Cod Commission The Environmental Finance Center at The University of North Carolina SAVE THE BAY 1970 Save The Bay A Mass Audubon Elizabeth Scott Consulting Mass Audubon Rhode Island School of Design Throwe Environmental Rode Istan The Environmental Finance Center at Syracuse University Throwe Environmental Kimberly Groff Consulting The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island SC STORMWATER CENTER The University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND University of Rhode Island MPA Program Request FREE Technical Assistance: https://snepnetwork.org/assistance-form/ Providence Cape Cod Bay Rhode Island Sound Nantucket Sound Muskeget Channel New England neefc Environmental Finance Center#5SNEP Network Rhode Island Funding Workshop March 13, 2024 U.S. EPA, Southeast New England Program EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency SNEP Southeast New England Program#6Background SNEP Region Includes . • Coastal watersheds between Westerly, RI and Chatham, MA •Watersheds of Narragansett Bay, Buzzards Bay and Southern Cape Cod •Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Elizabeth Islands, and Block Island Major Issues Facing the Region • Nutrient and Pathogen Pollution • Land Development • Tourism/Water-Based Economy ⚫Climate Change • Environmental Justice Massachusetts Worcester hode Islan Windham Hill ssett Norwich te) ation New London Boston о Plymouth 129 ft ovidence Fall River Needford! th Nantucket Sound#7Goals and Key Actions Program Vision 2050 A resilient ecosystem of safe and healthy waters, thriving watersheds and natural lands, and sustainable communities in the SNEP coastal watershed region Resilient Ecosystem of Safe and Healthy Waters • Waters support native seagrasses and aquatic life, plentiful native fish and shellfish, and a variety of water- based recreation opportunities Thriving Watersheds and Natural Lands • Watersheds provide essential ecological functions, species diversity, and protection from both human-based and naturally occurring environmental stressors, and healthy, connected natural lands support a variety and range of native plan and wildlife communities Sustainable Communities Communities share robust water-based economics, protect and provide access to natural lands, open spaces and parks, encourage local food sources, and are adapting for resilience to expected impacts of climate change#8Budget Overview • FY23 Base: $7,000,000 • Up $1M from FY22 BIL: $15,000,000 • $12,000,000 $10,000,000 $8,000,000 . • $3,000,000 each year for $6,000,000 FY22-26 Total Funding Since FY14: ~$56,800,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 SNEP Annual Funding $0 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 Note: Chart Assumes Level Base Funding FY24-26. Funding is Not Guaranteed. Base BIL#9Funding and Technical Assistance Opportunities • • • SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants SNEP Network SNEP Opportunities to Advance Resiliency Narragansett Bay Estuary Program Clean Water State Revolving Fund New England Water Infrastructure Network Natural Resources Conservation Service Worcester Rhode Island Boston Massachusetts Bay vidence Cape Cod Bay Rhode Island Sound Nantucket Sound Muskeget Change! • National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Nantucket Shoals#10Municipal Resilience Action Grant Program Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank RHODE ISLAND INFRASTRUCTURE BANK $19.5 million in action grants allocated to date 48 total projects funded 25% required match RFP for $4 million in MRP action grants funds to be released in April, 2024 MRP Program Information PROJECT TYPES Green stormwater infrastructure, coastal and riparian resiliency, road elevation, floodproofing or elevation of pump stations, berms and levies, culvert resizing, energy infrastructure resiliency watershed restoration, and urban tree planting, etc. • Funding for planning/design, outreach, modeling, permitting, and construction Projects which are shovel- ready shall receive priority PROGRAM PRIORITIES Supports resilience related infrastructure projects: improve community resiliency and strengthen public safety Project must involve the removal, relocation or redesign of Infrastructure OR incorporate Nature- Based Solutions ⚫ For RI municipalities that have completed community resilience workshops (MRP 2.0 coming) • Example: Pawtucket parklets & Newport shoreline#11Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank RHODE ISLAND INFRASTRUCTURE BANK Funding Amounts: No set cap Loans with up to 30-year repayment period set at interest 1/3 below market rate Applicant must first apply to DEM to be placed on PPL which opens each spring*. Then they can apply to RIIB for financing. * deadline to submit PPL application to RIDEM is April 5, 2024 Clean Water State Revolving Fund PROJECT TYPES • Funds wastewater, stormwater collection, treatment facilities; nonpoint source pollution management, etc. • Can fund planning, design, engineering, & construction for clean water eligible project types • Funding for public entities, local governments, water authorities/districts ⚫ Communities may be eligible for partial forgiveness depending upon determined community need PROGRAM PRIORITIES • Long-term financing solutions for water pollution abatement projects Ability/amount of water contamination which can be mitigated determines application favorability ⚫ Subject to credit/financials review, positive recommendation and Board approval • Example: NBC CSO Project, Providence Woonasquatucket River#12Ocean State Climate Adaptation and Resilience (OSCAR) Grant RIDEM DEM RHODE ISLAND Funding amount: $4mm total Required match - None Important dates: Expected RFP Release March/April 2024 PROJECT TYPES Projects that reduce the vulnerability of low-lying infrastructure on public land through measures that include removal and relocation of infrastructure Restoration of river and stream floodplains, including regrading of banks Revegetation Acquisition of that area of land necessary to maintain and preserve public access Redesigning, resizing, and replacing culverts and bridge spans at existing wetland crossings Additional adaptation and resilience projects deemed to be eligible under R.I. Gen. Laws § 46- 23.3-5 PROGRAM PRIORITIES Funds Planning, Design, Construction, among other activity types • Entities who own or control public land are eligible to apply • Strong focus on projects delivering feasible and technically sound climate adaptation solutions with habitat restoration and public access co-benefits • Environmental Justice and Community Engagement scoring criteria#13Climate Resilience Fund RIDEM DEM RHODE ISLAND Funding amount: $1mm total Required match - 25% Important dates: Expected RFP Release March/April 2024 • • PROJECT TYPES Removal, Relocation or Redesign of Infrastructure - engineering and construction projects to redesign, relocate or remove vulnerable facilities and infrastructure (e.g., culverts, dams, buildings/facilities, roadways/evacuation routes in both coastal and riverine areas) to protect and preserve function over the design life of the infrastructure or eliminate risk by removing the structure, given projected climate change impacts. Nature-Based Solutions - projects that protect or enhance Rhode Island's natural systems in the face of projected climate change impacts. Projects can include green infrastructure projects that utilize vegetation and pervious surfaces to manage coastal, riverine, and inland flooding, erosion and storm damage. Projects can also include the restoration of natural shorelines and riparian habitats so as to enhance the protection of communities. PROGRAM PRIORITIES Funds Design, Construction, among other activity types • Planning & Scientific Research not considered Land acquisition may be 50% or less of project costs • Gov't and non-profit entities are eligible to apply • Strong focus on projects delivering feasible and technically sound climate adaptation solutions with co-benefits Proposals should address: 1. The expected near-term (0-10 years) and long-term (10-25 years) benefits to improve. ecosystems and community resilience; and 2. How the project is consistent with state resilience plans, local hazard mitigation plans, and all applicable laws.#14National Coastal Resilience Fund AND WILDU DATION NFWF The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Funding amount: $140 million $100K-10M per application, depending on project type Match is not required but is encouraged to demonstrate broad support for the project Important dates: -Pre-Proposal Due Date: 4/10/2024 -Full Proposal Invitations: Mid to End of May 2024 -Full Proposal Due Date: 7/2/2024 -Award Announced: Late Nov. - Early Dec. 2024 Link to 2024 Request for Proposals: https://www.nfwf.org/programs/nati onal-coastal-resilience-fund/national- coastal-resilience-fund-2024-request- proposals PROJECT TYPES • Community Capacity Building and Planning that engages stakeholders and builds the capacity to plan and execute a variety of future resilience strategies, projects, and other activities. • Site Assessment and Preliminary Design of best options to address restoration and resilience goals of pre-identified and prioritized communities. • Final Design and Permitting for on-the- ground projects. Funding may be used for developing conceptual or preliminary designs into final designs and engineering plans, continued stakeholder engagement, detailed cost estimates, communications with permitting officials, and tasks to position projects for implementation. • Restoration and Monitoring of projects that have been prioritized through planning, address coastal resilience, have completed all design and engineering plans necessary for implementation, and are ready to secure or have secured all permits and other approvals necessary for implementation. PROGRAM PRIORITIES NFWF will make investments in planning, design, and restoration projects that: • Identify or implement nature-based solutions • Benefit coastal communities by reducing threats from coastal hazards • Benefit fish and wildlife habitat Additional consideration will be given to projects that address the disproportionate risks faced by underserved communities, projects that are community led or incorporate direct community outreach and engagement, and projects that incorporate innovative, sustainable, or transferable approaches. • Projects must be located within the coastal areas of U.S. coastal states, including the Great Lakes states, and U.S. territories and tribal lands. ⚫ Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state and territorial government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations, educational institutions, or commercial (for-profit) organizations.#15SNEP Funding Opportunities SOAR Funding amount: SNEP Southeast New England Program $1.25M each year No match required $50,000 $300,000 per award Important dates: Applications are now open April 16th Informational Webinar Submit questions via email by May 1st Applications due by 11:59pm EST June 7th, 2024 Important Website Link: https://grants.gov/search- results-detail/352728 SNEP Opportunity to Advance Resilience (SOAR) Fund Mission: To improve and support the climate resilience of disadvantaged communities throughout the SNEP region with meaningful community involvement as it relates to the design and implementation of projects to address the anticipated effects of climate change and the historic, long-term impacts of environmental and social injustices. Project Categories: Planning, Implementation, Outreach, Training, and Capacity Building/ Staffing Funding: $1,250,000 total (to be recompeted annually - $5M invested by 2027) $50,000 $300,000 per grant No match requirement Project period up to five years Awards to be fully funded (no incremental awards) Contact: SECoastal [email protected] NETWORK Funding amount: $8.75M over 5 years, 2024-2029 One awardee Minimum 20% match required Important dates: Applications are now open Submit questions via email by April 12th Applications due by 11:59pm EST May 1st, 2024 Link to RFA: https://grants.gov/search-results- detail/352296 Contact: SECoastal [email protected] SNEP Technical Assistance Network Goal: To continue the facilitation of the SNEP Network Project period October 2024 - September 2029 Provide a range of no-cost services and support to local Tribes, communities, and environmental organizations Eligible applicants: State, Local, Tribal Governments, Institutions of Higher Education, Nonprofit Institutions and Organizations, Interstate Agencies Work must occur in SNEP region#16SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants (SWIG) Restore America's Estuaries SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants $2.8 M in 2024 Up to $500,000/ project 33% match RFP Open through April 5 www.snepgrants.org PROJECT TYPES • Clean Water, Healthy Ecosystems, Sustainable Communities • Includes stormwater, river & wetland restoration, coastal resilience, urban restoration, environmental justice, etc. • Fund all project stages & costs Up to 2 year grants • Reimbursable federal funding requires non-fed match PROGRAM PRIORITIES Holistic projects with multiple benefits • New or sustainable partnerships •Regional information- sharing Public engagement Realistic path toward implementation • Non-profits, municipalities, state and tribal governments, academic institutions, etc. Letter of intent (pre- application) followed by invited full proposal Looking for projects that will lead to or implement actual environmental improvements on the ground or in the water#17PL-566 and Emergency Watershed Programs USDA NRCS United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Funding Amount: Limited by Congress Required Match: 0 to 25% Contact: NRCS State Office 401-822-8800 www.nrcs.usda.gov PROJECT TYPES Flood Prevention and Damage Reduction • Water Quality Management •Development of Rural Water Supply Sources Erosion and Sediment Control Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Wetland Creation and Restoration • Increased Recreational Opportunities • Agricultural Water Management • Watershed Protection PROGRAM PRIORITIES • Works Through Local Government Sponsors •Provide Technical and Financial • Assistance to Public Entities (Sponsors) for Planning and Implementing Authorized Projects • Emergency Watershed Protection Program Removes Hazard and Restore Stream Hydrology to Pre-Disaster Conditions • Apply Within 60 Days Post Disaster • Flooding 2X within 10 years or recent damage ⚫ Floodplain Easements and Relocation Reduce risk to human life and safety • Sponsor required for implementation (Government, Tribal or Quasi- Government) The USDA is an equal opportunity employer, lender and provider.#18Narragansett Bay Estuary Program NARRAGANSETT BAY ESTUARY PROGRAM Funding amount: $450K-$910K total from IIJA Usually $50K-$250K per app. No match required Important dates: RFP expected early summer 2024 https://nbep.org - join email list for RFP announcements PROJECT TYPES Projects consistent with NBEP Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (2012). Past RFPs have addressed watershed and estuarine habitat restoration, public access, and green infrastructure. • Will likely focus on planning steps: study/assessment, design, and permitting. • Federal subawards; all costs reimbursable • Projects taking place in environmental justice areas (as defined by NBEP's EJMap) will receive additional consideration PROGRAM PRIORITIES WORCESTER MASSACHUSETTS LITTLE NARRAGANSETT BAY WATERSHED Narragansett Bay RHODE ISLAND Salt Ponds BOSTON, NARRAGANSETT BAY WATERSHED BROCKTON TAUNTON PROVIDENCE Narragansett Bay COASTAL SALT WATERSHED Rhode Island Sound Is your project location eligible? Visit our website for a searchable map.#19New England Water Infrastructure Network (NEWIN) New England Environmental Finance Center newin New England Water Infrastructure Network new england environmental finance center NEWIN offers free financial, managerial, and technical support for New England's municipalities, water utilities, and tribes Water assistance request form: https://neefc.org/water-infrastructure/ Contact: [email protected] NEWIN Technical Assistance Program • Help communities access Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for water infrastructure projects, with a focus on Clean Water & Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) ⚫ NEWIN assists any SRF- eligible system with a range of water infrastructure projects, including: clean water, drinking water, stormwater/ nonpoint source pollution, source water protection, climate resiliency, lead service lines, and PFAS/emerging contaminants Prioritize working with disadvantaged communities, new borrowers, and systems facing urgent water challenges Project Examples NEWIN offers assistance at every step of the project process. Current projects include: ●Helping a new borrower navigate the CWSRF application process and submit an application for a wastewater facilities plan • Conducting an income survey to establish eligibility for DWSRF loan principal forgiveness Building public support to investigate dam removal • Supporting a financial capacity analysis for a CSO Long-Term Control Plan Developing replicable stormwater designs to retrofit urban landscapes#20SNEP NETWORK Questions? New England neefc Environmental Finance Center#21SNEP NETWORK . Instructions for entering funder rooms We will now be moving to Zoom meeting rooms Links to the funder rooms can be found in the webinar chat, in the linked PDF, and in your email (check your inbox!) You can move around freely between meetings by clicking on the link for the corresponding meeting room You will not need to return to the webinar when done in the meeting rooms If you're having trouble, come back to the main webinar and message the hosts using the chat function New England neefc Environmental Finance Center#22SNEP NETWORK Meet the Funders! Room Funding Program(s) 1 Municipal Resilience Program Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) New England Water Infrastructure Network Technical Assistance 2 3 4 SNEP Water Implementation Grants Upcoming SNEP opportunities NFWF National Coastal Resilience Fund Emergency Management Program and PL-566 Programs Narragansett Bay Estuary Program State Climate Resilience Bond Funds Ocean State Climate Adaptation and Resilience (OSCAR) Fund New England neefc Environmental Finance Center