It’s time to upgrade our nation’s underfunded infrastructure!
IIJA is the largest investment in infrastructure based climate resiliency in the history of our nation. IIJA provides multiple funding opportunities to tackle the various climate-related issues that directly affect our communities, especially those who have been historically underserved. Addressing our nation’s infrastructure will directly improve the environment, economy, and citizen’s health
To address the complex multifaceted issues that our environment faces, IIJA funds will be used to identify, assess, prevent, restore, and adapt to changes in our ecosystems. Focusing on the utilization of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions, IIJA funded projects seek to support environmental stewardship, build coastal resilience, create jobs, store carbon, restore habitat and promote economic development.
Improvements to outdated infrastructure can prevent polluted stormwater runoff and excess nutrients from entering our watershed. These improvements to infrastructure will enhance the water quality and surrounding ecological habitats, support local community health, as well as benefit the local economy.
Additionally, projects funded under IIJA aim to empower underserved communities and enhance their quality of life by providing safe access to waterways for cultural and recreational activities. The development and implementation of strategies to increase water access and enjoyment will be complimented by the development of capacity building activities to strengthen the community’s ability to adapt to the changing environment.
The Investment in Infrastructure and Jobs Act is providing $132 million for the National Estuary Program (NEP)’s twenty-eight longstanding estuaries of significance along our nation’s coasts, including the Peconic Estuary Partnership. These funds are allocated for the fiscal years of 2022 through 2026.
Each of the 28 NEPs create and implement a Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP) based on each estuary’s unique needs. The NEP projects funded by IIJA seek to accelerate the implementation of their CCMPs and prioritize projects that restore water quality and ecological integrity with a special focus on areas with historically underserved communities. Environmental justice is an important initiative incorporated into NEPs IIJA funded projects as prioritizing projects in disadvantaged communities boosts their local economy and ensures comprehensive sustainability for the whole estuary.
