The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has handed out competitive grants to nine local governments and community organizations to help plan and design solutions for managing flooding and other weather-related hazards.
The selected projects are aimed at reducing risk in vulnerable communities, incorporating shifting environmental conditions into existing plans, and developing nature-based approaches to handle flooding and erosion challenges.
Money for the grants comes from the state’s Resilience Through Restoration Initiative and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. After operating as a pilot program for eight years, the Resilience Through Restoration Initiative was made permanent through 2026 legislation, cementing its role in shielding Maryland communities from flooding, erosion, and storm damage.
The following local governments and community partners have been awarded Fiscal Year 2027 grant funding, pending final approval from federal partners:
Anne Arundel County:
The Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County received a grant to design a living shoreline in Crownsville that will protect a nearby tidal marsh and flood-prone River Road while also preserving and improving bird habitat.
The Reverend Samuel Green Sr. Foundation received funding to design a living shoreline in Annapolis along Martins Cove, which will protect existing and planned trails that reconnect two historic African American communities.
Cecil County:
Cecil County was awarded funding to launch a public outreach effort on flooding, which includes educating property owners, boosting flood reporting through MyCoast Maryland, and collecting data needed to earn credits through the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System.
Dorchester County:
Dorchester County received a grant to design a living shoreline that will protect nearby wetlands and preserve access to a county marina and public boat ramp on Elliott Island.
Harford County:
The City of Havre de Grace was awarded funding to design a submerged gravel wetland and an offline wetland along Lilly Run to reduce recurring stormwater overflow and flooding issues.
Howard County:
Howard County received a grant to design a stormwater detention pond retrofit featuring bioswales and the removal of a concrete channel at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Old Ellicott City, with the goal of lowering flood risk tied to storm system overflows.
Prince George’s County:
The City of Hyattsville was awarded funds to design innovative green infrastructure stormwater practices along Kennedy Street to cut down on neighborhood flooding and test hybrid approaches to localized flood mitigation.
The Town of Berwyn Heights received a grant to develop a flood preparedness and mitigation plan that addresses vulnerable properties and infrastructure, recommends green infrastructure solutions, and lays out a framework for future investments.
Somerset County:
The City of Crisfield was awarded funding to design a tidal wetland restoration project in southern Crisfield that will reduce tidal and stormwater flooding along South Somerset Avenue and Woodson School Road.
Starting in mid-July, the Department of Natural Resources will begin accepting applications for the next fiscal year through its online Grants Gateway.
