Specifications include, but are not limited to: Purpose of Solicitation: The Delaware Coastal Programs (DCP) of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is announcing the availability grant funding to support projects and activities that improve local and regional capacity to conserve, manage, and promote the incorporation of coastal management issues into local planning and implementation activities throughout Delaware. The year s grant will focus on those activities and planning efforts that assist sea level rise adaptation planning, including adaptation options identified by the Delaware Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee the reduction of coastal hazard related impacts, increasing local or regional coastal resiliency and/or natural resource management issues as they pertain to adaptation measures Goals and Priorities: Improving the management and wise use of land and water resources, as well as the need for compatible economic development of the coastal zone is a key goal for the DCP. This grant program provides an opportunity to plan for and reduce the impacts of coastal hazards related to sea level rise, coastal storms and climate change through the implementation adaptation options such as the development of ordinances, comprehensive land use plans, and infrastructure capacity and improvement planning. Competitive grants will be available from the DCP who will provide financial and technical assistance to local and state governments and non-profit organizations to increase Delaware s coastal resiliency through sea level rise adaptation planning. Applicants are encouraged to correspond with staff from the DCP to ensure grant projects meet the specified criteria, and to develop a cooperative working relationship to be continued throughout the duration of grant projects for any successful project proposals that are awarded funding. Proposals should address one or more of the following: Planning Grants Projects that seek to improve Delaware s resiliency to sea level rise and coastal storms, including: 1. Assessments of local land use ordinances, zoning codes and building codes for the purpose of identifying barriers and opportunities and recommending improvements 2. Local sea level rise vulnerability assessments and/or adaptation plans 3. Planning and design of on-the-ground adaptation projects Research Grants Projects that seek to improve knowledge and understanding of: 1. Wetland migration and barriers to inland migration 2. Social, environmental and economic costs of sea level rise adaptation strategies 3. Secondary and cumulative impacts of adaptation strategies 4. Development of tools and technology for the reduction of coastal hazard related impacts Note: construction costs are not eligible for this grant funding (See "Ineligible Costs" for more information)
