New Hampshire Coastal Watershed Resiliency and Water Quality Improvement Initiative

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to announce a special funding opportunity under its Healthy Communities Grant Program, specifically tailored for the unique environmental challenges facing New Hampshire's vital coastal watershed regions. This initiative, the 'New Hampshire Coastal Watershed Resiliency and Water Quality Improvement Initiative,' seeks to empower local communities and organizations to implement innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance coastal resilience, improve water quality, and protect critical habitats across the state's iconic seacoast and estuarine systems, including the Great Bay Estuary and the Piscataqua River watershed. This grant is a direct investment in New Hampshire's environmental protection efforts, focusing on areas most vulnerable to pollution and climate impacts. Funding will support projects addressing pressing environmental concerns such as non-point source pollution, stormwater runoff, habitat degradation, and the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise and increased storm intensity. Eligible projects should focus on measurable outcomes in areas like phosphorus and nitrogen reduction, bacterial contamination mitigation, and the restoration of natural coastal buffers. We encourage proposals that incorporate nature-based solutions, such as living shorelines, wetland restoration, and green infrastructure installations (e.g., rain gardens, permeable pavements) to manage stormwater, filter pollutants, and provide flood protection. Projects should aim to…

improve the overall health of New Hampshire's coastal environment and enhance community preparedness for future environmental challenges. The EPA is particularly interested in proposals that utilize cutting-edge monitoring technologies, data-driven adaptive management strategies, and demonstrate a clear path to replication or scalability across other vulnerable New Hampshire coastal areas. This grant aims to foster collaborative efforts among New Hampshire municipalities, regional planning commissions, conservation groups, academic institutions, and other stakeholders. Successful proposals will demonstrate a clear understanding of local environmental needs, a robust community engagement plan, and a commitment to long-term sustainability. Projects involving public education and outreach on water conservation, sustainable land use practices, and pollution prevention are highly encouraged. This grant offers a unique opportunity to safeguard New Hampshire's natural heritage and ensure healthy, resilient coastal ecosystems for future generations, addressing critical environmental protection needs and promoting sustainable development.