Pappas, Webster Introduce Legislation to Better Connect Coastal Communities with Mitigation Grants

Press Release

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) introduced the Community Access to Resiliency Grants Act of 2021 with Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11) to ease states and localities' ability to access climate mitigation grants. The ability for coastal communities to access these grants will play an essential role in allowing them to mitigate the environmental and economic impact of rising sea levels and changing weather patterns.

"As sea levels continue to rise, we must ensure we are providing our coastal communities with the resources they need to mitigate its impact on our local environment, economy, and infrastructure," said Congressman Pappas. "Creating a centralized hub for communities to easily identify and apply for grants is a common-sense way to cut down on the bureaucratic hoops our states and municipalities go through and ensure they get the federal support they need."

"Florida's Gulf Coast is no stranger to hurricanes and extreme weather," said Congressman Webster. "Coastal communities also face unique challenges with maintaining resilient infrastructure. This simple measure will provide Floridians with better access to available federal grants and help ensure that taxpayer dollars are used most effectively in local, targeted efforts."

Specifically, their legislation will direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish and update a publicly available website that provides links and information pertaining to all grants administered by NOAA and other federal agencies to assist states and local communities with resiliency, adaptation, and mitigation of climate change and sea-level rise.

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