NOAA has released its first-ever Climate Resilience Regional Challenge, making $575 million available for projects that build the resilience of coastal communities to extreme weather (e.g., hurricanes and storm surge) and other impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and drought. The program was announced by President Biden earlier this week during his visit to the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center Palo Alto, California. Funding was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, a historic, federal government-wide investment that is advancing NOAA’s efforts to build Climate-Ready Coasts. There are two parallel but separate funding tracks. · Track One: Regional Collaborative Building and Strategy Development · Track Two: Implementation of Resilience and Adaptation Actions The First Step: Outline your proposed project and submit a letter of intent. NOAA will invite selected applicants to submit a full application. Details regarding the letter of intent and the application are provided within the funding announcement. · Due Dates: For the letter of intent: Monday, August 21, 2023. For the full application: Tuesday, Feb 13, 2024. · Eligible Applicants: Coastal states, territories, counties, cities, tribes, and tribal organizations; public or private nonprofit organizations; and institutions of higher education. · Matching Funds: There is no matching requirement for this funding. · Technical Assistance: NOAA may provide technical assistance for applicants developing letters of intent and full proposals. Visit their technical assistance page to learn more. · Virtual Information Sessions for Applicants: Dates and times for virtual information sessions will be · Tuesday, June 27, 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time · Tuesday, July 11, 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time · Wednesday, July 12, 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time