Release: NHDES is Now Accepting Applications for Critical Flood Risk Infrastructure Grants

PORTSMOUTH — The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Coastal Program and Watershed Assistance Section are accepting Critical Flood Risk Infrastructure Grant (CFRING) applications for flood resilience and stormwater management projects located within New Hampshire’s Coastal Watershed. Coastal watershed communities and their stormwater infrastructure are highly susceptible to damage from severe flood risks, including relative sea-level rise (RSLR), coastal storms, RSLR-induced groundwater rise, extreme precipitation, and freshwater flooding. According to the 2019-2020 New Hampshire Coastal Flood Risk Summary, these flood hazards are projected to intensify with the effects of climate change. Furthermore, many coastal watershed communities are subject to federal permits that require improved stormwater management. This new grant program intends to support planning and assessment work, as well as implementation projects that reduce flood risk and address stormwater management challenges.

For the purposes of CFRING, “flood resilience” refers to the capacity of a community or system to thrive in a changing climate – not only measured by the capacity to “bounce back” quickly from shocks and stresses like storms, but also measured by the capacity to “leap forward” to create new ways of working to achieve community goals and social, economic, and environmental well-being over the long-term. “Stormwater management” includes use of structural or nonstructural practices designed to reduce stormwater runoff pollutant loads, discharge volumes, and/or peak flow discharge rates.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, quasi-governmental organizations (e.g., regional planning commissions, county conservations districts, etc.), non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions. Projects must take place within one or more of New Hampshire’s 42 Coastal Watershed communities.[1] Total anticipated funding available for 2022 CFRING projects is approximately $4.5 million. Applicants may request a maximum of $100,000 per Planning and Assessment project or $2.5 million per Implementation project. A match commitment will not be requested for this grant program. Funds are made available to NHDES through the American Rescue Plan Act.  

For instructions, evaluation criteria, and to access the application form, visit the CFRING webpage. Applications must be submitted using the online application form no later than 4:00 PM ET on Friday, April 15, 2022. An informational webinar about the CFRING funding opportunity will take place on Monday, March 7, 2022 from 1:30-2:30 PM ET. Those interested must register for the webinar in advance. A recording of the webinar will be made available on the CFRING webpage for those who are unable to attend.

Please contact NHDES Watershed Management Specialist Ben Sweeney at (603) 559-0021 or benjamin.r.sweeney1@des.nh.gov with inquiries about this funding opportunity.


[1] New Hampshire’s Coastal Watershed communities include: Barrington, Brentwood, Brookfield, Candia, Chester, Danville, Deerfield, Dover, Durham, East Kingston, Epping, Exeter, Farmington, Fremont, Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Kensington, Kingston, Lee, Madbury, Middleton, Milton, New Castle, New Durham, Newfields, Newington, Newmarket, North Hampton, Northwood, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Raymond, Rochester, Rollinsford, Rye, Sandown, Seabrook, Somersworth, Strafford, Stratham and Wakefield.