Building Coastal Resilience in Delaware's Brownfields
GrantID: 15779
Grant Funding Amount Low: Open
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: Open
Summary
Grant Overview
Enhancing Coastal Resilience through Brownfield Cleanup in Delaware
State-Specific Barrier in Delaware
Delaware's coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to climate change and flooding, with land subsiding at an alarming rate. As noted by the Delaware Geological Survey, this increases the urgency for effective land management and remediation strategies. The state has a number of brownfield sites near its coasts, which complicates not only environmental safety but also community resilience in the face of natural disasters. With an aging infrastructure, these areas need immediate attention to mitigate risks associated with climate change.
Who Faces This Barrier Locally
Coastal communities such as Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach face significant challenges due to their proximity to brownfield sites. These sites often harbor environmental hazards that can exacerbate flooding risks, putting residents’ lives and property on the line. Additionally, economically disadvantaged communities near the coast are less likely to have the resources needed to safeguard against climate-related impacts, making them particularly vulnerable.
How Funding Addresses It
Grants for this initiative will focus on cleaning up brownfields located near crucial coastal areas, allowing for the development of strategies that enhance overall resilience against flooding. By collaborating with environmental scientists and local governments, the project aims to create a comprehensive toolkit that communities can utilize for future mitigation efforts, improving preparedness and response strategies.
Active community engagement will be a cornerstone of this effort, ensuring that the needs and concerns of affected residents are prioritized throughout the planning process. This proactive approach helps build a foundation for informed decision-making and has the potential to significantly improve land use practices in Delaware’s coastal regions.
Conclusion
Delaware's initiative to enhance coastal resilience through brownfield cleanup provides a necessary response to environmental vulnerabilities, uniquely addressing the intersection of climate change and public safety. While neighboring states may focus solely on general remediation, Delaware’s coastal-specific approach showcases the critical link between environmental health and community resilience.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
