- November 27, 2024
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Volusia County has been awarded a $2,576,838 National Coastal Resilience Fund grant to restore and strengthen the coastal dune habitats in the county by planting native vegetation.
The initiative seeks to bolster the dunes against storms and enhance habitats for threatened and endangered species. The vegetative planting will coincide with the county's Coastal Division's upcoming sand placement projects, which are slated to begin early next year, further enhancing the ecological function of the dunes.
"This generous grant enables us to advance our efforts to enhance Volusia County's coastal habitats," Sustainability and Resilience Manager Samantha West said. "By restoring our dunes with native vegetation, we're revitalizing habitats for our local wildlife, thereby contributing to the overall health of our ecosystem."
This funding will also enable staff to engage with and educate beachside communities about the importance of large-scale coastal resilience efforts. Through community outreach and education, Volusia County aims to increase residents' understanding of coastal dynamics and the vital role that dune ecosystems play in collective safety and environmental health.
The NCRF is a funding initiative designed to support projects that restore and strengthen the natural infrastructure of coastal areas in the United States. The fund is a partnership between the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Defense, Shell USA, and Occidental. Volusia County was among 94 nationwide award recipients in the 2024 funding cycle.
