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HARTFORD, Conn. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced more than $63,750 in grants to the state of Connecticut for state-led programs and projects that will protect, manage and restore wetlands across the state. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) received $63,750 in grants, and EPA expects to award a second round of these grants in the same amount later this year.

The funds were provided through EPA's Wetland Program Development Grant program, which enables state, local and tribal governments to conduct a range of projects that promote research and pollution reduction efforts related to wetlands. In 2019, EPA awarded $1,323,000 in Wetland Program Development Grant funds across the six New England states.

"Wetlands provide a range of important benefits to ecosystems and local communities across New England, including critical habitat for various species of wildlife and natural buffers against flooding," said EPA New England Regional Administrator Dennis Deziel. "These grants exemplify EPA's commitment to helping our state and local partners further their wetlands research and protection programs that will have lasting impacts for decades to come."

"Connecticut's coastal wetlands enhance a community's resilience by helping to mitigate flooding and storm damage," said CT DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "Unfortunately, our wetlands are also among the ecosystems most susceptible to climate change, especially to accelerated rates of sea level rise. EPA assistance will be instrumental in helping us protect the future of Connecticut's coastal wetland resources."

CT DEEP received a grant to establish a workgroup to study tidal wetland migration protection policies. As sea levels rise, coastal wetlands like salt marshes will naturally migrate landward. This project will investigate potential regulatory mechanisms to offer protection for areas expected to accommodate tidal wetland migration.

For more information on the Wetland Program Development Grants, visit: https://www.epa.govhttps://www.epa.gov/wetlands/wetland-program-development-grants-and-epa-wetlands-grant-coordinators.