Funding available for climate adaptation measures and nature-based solutions.
Illinois is already experiencing the impact of climate change, including more frequent and intense rainfall and extreme heat. We must continue to work to mitigate climate change by slashing carbon emissions from every sector. However, we must also begin to adapt to climate change by adjusting to its existing and future impacts.
In this blog, we’ll recap a recent webinar from our Thriving Communities Webinar Series that explored climate impact in Illinois and funding opportunities for climate adaptation, particularly natural solutions. You can also watch a recording of the webinar online.
Illinois Climate Change
Illinois has become “warmer and wetter,” according to Illinois State Climatologist Dr. Trent Ford, who presented at the webinar. These trends are expected to continue and they will increase hazards, including exposure to extreme heat, severe storms, and flooding events. Hazards that impacted Illinois in the Summer of 2023 included flood events in Chicago, heavy fog along the rivers, an excessive heat warning in Southern Illinois, thunderstorms, tornadoes, a derecho, and even severe dust storms in the state’s center. For more information on climate change in Illinois, visit the State Climatologist website here.
Planning and Implementing Climate Solutions
Dr. Ford emphasized the need for our communities to not only mitigate future climate change but to learn how to adapt to the impacts we are already experiencing. Community planners should consider holistic techniques that focus on building partnerships, improving water conservation programs, developing renewable energy systems, fortifying local food production, creating educational programs, and implementing more urban open spaces. Traditional projects are also useful such as updating building codes, implementing storm-ready building construction, building safe shelters, and developing severe-weather action plans.
Opportunities often exist to develop climate mitigation and adaptation projects in ways that mimic nature. These holistic projects are often called “Natural climate solutions,” “nature-based solutions,” and “green infrastructure.” When possible, we should look to Mother Nature for engineering advice on replicating or mimicking the natural environment.
Projects like wetland creations, detention ponds, and rain gardens are examples of nature-based solutions. These projects function by slowing down stormwater runoff and allowing nature to filter our water. They can prevent flooding, improve water quality, sequester carbon, provide wildlife habitat, reduce water management costs, and provide open green spaces for our community to enjoy. Learn more about how your community can build resiliency through nature-based solutions here.
Funding Opportunities for Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation
Several funding opportunities exist to help communities prevent and respond to natural and climate change-worsened hazards. Many of these grants can be used for nature-based solutions.
Building Resilient Infrastructure in Communities Grants
The Building Resilient Infrastructure in Communities (BRIC) grant is a nationally competitive program that supports communities as they implement hazard mitigation projects, reducing their risks from disasters and natural hazards. It focuses on capacity building, encouraging innovation, enabling large infrastructure projects, and promoting partnerships. This program is released annually and includes over $1 billion in federal funding.
- Eligible projects: community gardens, community walkability audits, storm shelters, and large infrastructure projects.
- Eligible applicants: States, Tribes, DC, and U.S. Territories. Local governments must apply through their state or territory. Subapplicants must be registered in GATA.
- Grant formula: 75% federal funding, 25% local match.
- Notice of funding opportunities and more information here.
Flooding Mitigation Assistance Grants
Flooding Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grants offer similar funding as BRIC Grants for properties that have been repeatedly flooded and are listed on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). While these funds can be used for similar projects, they are specific to buildings acquisition and demolition. This nationally competitive grant is released annually with around $800 million in federal funds.
- Eligible projects: buildings must be listed on NFIP and acquired, demolished, and redeveloped into open spaces.
- Eligible applicants: States, Tribes, DC, and U.S. Territories. Local governments must apply through their state or territory. Subapplicants must be registered in GATA.
- Grant Formula: 75% federal funds, 25% local match.
- Notice of funding opportunities and more information here.
Green Infrastructure Grants
Green Infrastructure Grants from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agencies’ Bureau of Water offer funding for projects to reduce stormwater runoff and improve the state’s water quality. These projects encourage nature-based solutions to adapt to climate change impacts. This grant is expected to be released in mid-April 2024.
- Award range: $75k-$2.5 million.
- Eligible projects: permeable pavements, green roofs, wetland creations, detention ponds, and rain gardens.
- Eligible applicants: individuals, small businesses, government organizations, and nonprofits.
- Grant Formula: 75% federal funds, 25% local match.
- Notice of funding opportunities and more information can be found here.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides project funding after a presidentially declared disaster. These grants are used for recovery projects post-disaster. More information on Illinois’ hazard mitigation grants can be found here.
Take Advantage and Get Technical Assistance
Prairie Rivers Network, the Great Lakes Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC), the Illinois Hazard Mitigation Office, and the Illinois State Climatologist hope to encourage communities to take advantage of these funding opportunities for incorporating nature-based solutions. It is never too early to implement hazard mitigation plans and build climate adaptation in your community.
If your community is interested in accessing these grants but doesn’t know where to start, please fill out an intake form to access support from the Great Lakes TCTAC.
Thank You
A special thank you to Dr. Trent Ford and Jeff Thompson for sharing their expertise and information on our webinar.
Dr. Ford is the State Climatologist and his office leads climate monitoring, data collection, provisions, and climate communication for Illinois. He and his team are responsible for providing the most up-to-date information on climate change in Illinois through traditional publications, social media, and speaking to interested groups.
Jeff Thompson is the Illinois State Hazard Mitigation Officer with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Mr. Thompson’s career has focused heavily in risk management, including over 20 years in the Active Duty Air Force, and his years with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency was a great asset to our webinar.
