DNREC seeks communities to take part in coastal programs
DNREC Delaware Coastal Programs is now accepting letters of interest from Delaware communities for Resilient Community Partnership assistance. Applications for participating in the program are due by Friday, June 29.
The Resilient Community Partnership program seeks to improve the management and wise use of land and water resources while promoting compatible economic development in the coastal zone. The RCP program provides technical assistance and potential funding to Delaware communities for developing local planning strategies that prepare for and reduce the impacts of coastal hazards related to flooding from sea level rise, coastal storms, and climate change.
State, county, and municipal government entities may submit letters of interest for projects that will support local resilience planning and adaptation activities in Delaware. Applicants are encouraged to communicate with DCP staff to help answer any questions and ensure all submissions address the specified criteria. Examples of previous partnerships can be found online at de.gov/resilientcommunity.
Letters of interest should demonstrate a community's interest in, organizational support for, and capacity to enter into a partnership effort with Delaware Coastal Programs. The letter should be a maximum of eight pages, not including supporting documentation. For further guidance, applicants should consult the Call for Letters of Interest on the DNREC website.
Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
• Assessments of vulnerability to flooding due to sea level rise, coastal storms, and nuisance flooding, aka sunny-day flooding
• Assessments of local land-use ordinances, zoning codes, and building codes for the purpose of identifying barriers and opportunities for coordination, and recommending improvements
• Adaptation plans that outline short- and long-term actions for reducing vulnerability and increasing preparedness, including updating comprehensive land-use plans. Such plans can be drafted for a specific community, town, or region, or for a specific type of resource or infrastructure
• Design of on-the-ground adaptation projects
• Plans for improving communications about flood risk and adaptation options to affected populations.
Limited funding is available for activities necessary to support project objectives that require advanced technical assistance. Delaware Coastal Programs will work with award recipients to determine the technical needs of their proposed project and, as appropriate, to retain subject matter experts or contractors to meet project requirements and deadlines.
Details about the partnership program, including application requirements and procedures, can be found on the Resilient Community Partnership webpage, de.gov/resilientcommunity, or by calling Delaware Coastal Programs at 302-739-9283. Applications are due no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 29.
Applications may be emailed to Kelly.valencik@state.de.us, or mailed to Delaware Coastal Programs, 100 West Water St., Suite 7B, Dover, DE 19904 (Attn: Kelly Valencik). DNREC will announce partnership recipients on or before Wednesday, July 18.
