New Hampshire has recently received a $20 million federal grant to help reconstruct coastal seawalls that have been eroded by storms and flooding. This grant, announced by Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt, will be used to bolster stone barriers along Route 1A in North Hampton and Rye in Rockingham County. The goal is to reduce flooding, structural damage, and post-storm cleanup time in order to ensure smoother travel along the route. This grant is part of the FHA’s Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation program.
In addition to the federal grant for seawall reconstruction, President Joe Biden has also granted Governor Chris Sununu’s request for a major disaster declaration for Rockingham and Grafton counties in New Hampshire. This declaration comes in response to a damaging and costly storm and flooding event that occurred in January. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, along with state and local emergency management officials, conducted a Preliminary Damage Assessment and found that the statewide cost for response efforts related to this event totaled just over $3 million. This declaration will provide aid for recovery efforts in communities that were severely affected by the storm, including flooding and power outages in January.
Robert Buxton, the director of the state Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, expressed that this declaration is a crucial step toward recovery for the affected communities. He emphasized that the state will continue to assist these communities with making repairs and implementing mitigation projects to prevent similar issues in the future. The focus is on improving infrastructure and preparedness to enhance resilience in the face of future storms and flooding events. The ultimate goal is to create a more robust and disaster-resilient transportation network in New Hampshire.
The grant for coastal seawall reconstruction and the disaster aid declaration for January’s storm and flooding highlight the impact of extreme weather events on New Hampshire’s infrastructure and communities. Coastal erosion and flooding are major concerns for the state, especially as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of storms. By investing in infrastructure improvements and disaster recovery efforts, New Hampshire is taking proactive steps to address these challenges. The state is leveraging federal funding and resources to enhance the resilience of its transportation network and support communities in recovering from natural disasters.
The collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies in responding to disasters and implementing mitigation projects is essential for building resilience in New Hampshire. By working together, these entities can assess the vulnerabilities of infrastructure, develop strategies to mitigate risks, and prioritize investments to enhance preparedness for future disasters. This multi-layered approach to disaster management ensures that New Hampshire is better equipped to withstand and recover from the impacts of extreme weather events. The coordination between different levels of government also facilitates a more efficient and effective response to emergencies, ultimately benefiting the residents and businesses in the state.
Overall, the $20 million federal grant for coastal seawall reconstruction and the major disaster declaration for January’s storm and flooding represent critical investments in New Hampshire’s resilience and disaster preparedness. By addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities and supporting recovery efforts, the state is taking proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events and enhance the safety and well-being of its residents. The collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies underscores the importance of a coordinated and comprehensive approach to disaster management. As New Hampshire continues to face challenges from climate change and extreme weather, these initiatives will play a crucial role in building a more resilient and sustainable future for the state.
