The Biden-Harris administration has made a significant investment aimed at helping communities along the coast and the Great Lakes adapt to extreme weather and other impacts of climate change.
The $575 million in funding is part of the first of it's kind Climate Resilience Regional Challenge, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced in a June 20 news release.
“Through this first-ever regional approach to strengthening climate resilience, the Biden-Harris administration is ensuring that communities across the country, especially underserved communities, have the resources they need to prepare for the growing impacts of the climate crisis," U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the release. "As part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge will help communities that share common challenges work together to develop innovative solutions while equipping them with essential resources to build a climate-ready future.”
According to the release, this is the largest funding opportunity under the $2.6 billion Inflation Reduction Act climate resilience framework.
The program has two tracks, the release reported. There is $25 million for regional collaborative building and strategy development and $550 million for implementation of resilience and adaptation actions.
It prioritizes climate risk reduction, equity and inclusion and enduring capacity, the release said. The funding will support initiatives such as expanding partnerships, assessing risk, planning adaptation actions, acquiring vulnerable land and improving public infrastructure resilience. It also aims to benefit marginalized communities and strengthen regional networks.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Administrator Rick Spinrad highlighted the significance of these investments, addressing the lack of resources in many coastal communities, the release said.
“Thanks to President Biden’s commitment to bolstering climate resilience, we are helping more coastal communities move toward action on climate resiliency efforts, which is an important first step – and in areas where the groundwork is already laid, NOAA is ready to support communities in taking action," Spinrad added, according to the release. "This multi-faceted approach allows us to meet people where they are and help regional resilience efforts move forward.”
The Climate Resilience Regional Challenge takes a holistic approach, helping communities become climate-ready and supporting ongoing resilience efforts. The release noted that, with NOAA's technical support, coordination among regions will enable coastal communities to prepare for climate change impacts, reduce risks and address vulnerabilities.
