Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

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07/12/2024

DEEP Announces Notice of Availability of FY 2024 Funding Opportunity for Boating Infrastructure Grants

(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is pleased to announce the release of a request for proposal for the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program. This competitive federal funding opportunity is offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Department of the Interior (DOI). DEEP will review and select qualifying state projects from the pool of submissions to recommend for funding, which will then be submitted to the USFWS for final approval.

The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program was created by Congress to address the need for better shoreline access for traveling boaters. It aims to enhance access to recreational, cultural, historic, scenic, and natural resources across the United States.

“Boating and fishing are the largest drivers of the outdoor recreation economy in Connecticut,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “This grant program expands opportunities for traveling boaters to visit restaurants, shops, and parks, showcasing why Connecticut is a great place to live, work, and play.”

For Fiscal Year 2024, USFWS is making an estimated total of $14 million available for transient amenities. The grant is intended to provide federal funds to public and private agencies, marinas, and other facilities for creating or renovating tie-up facilities for transient recreational boats 26 feet or larger.

DEEP is administering this matching federal grant program on behalf of the DOI and USFWS and will accept applications for two levels of funding:

Tier I: Grants ranging from $30,000 to $190,000 in federal requests.

Tier II: Grants for projects over $200,000 in federal requests.

For more information on program requirements, tier thresholds, and to access the application link, please visit Boating Infrastructure Grant Program.

The deadline for grant applications is July 29, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. EST. Only complete applications received by the due date will be considered for funding.

Applicants for Fiscal Year 2024 funds will typically be notified of approval or denial by the end of March 2025. Approved projects are expected to begin in Fall 2025, contingent upon the allocation of federal funds, and must be completed within three years of project approval.

Links:

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110