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ReImagine Appalachia and the Central Appalachian Network (CAN) hosted a recorded discussion about Floyd County and its innovative solutions to mounting hardships. Floyd County has faced devastating flooding and an economic downturn from a dwindling coal industry. But residents aren't backing down. Instead, they're focusing on economic growth and innovation as part of their resilience plan. Floyd County is also a case study for a uniquely Appalachian approach to resilience. They’ve been mapping former coal assets for future development to bring construction out of the flood plains and onto higher ground. They’ve also worked towards building a community resilience hub to provide for impacted residents and to form a cornerstone for information exchange and innovation around uniquely Appalachian resilience strategies.

https://youtu.be/aOZPwuowSTc?si=GghL27D3z4QeLUwi

Climate.us will be a nonprofit successor to Climate.gov, delivering climate data and information to promote public climate literacy and to equip people to turn knowledge into meaningful conversations and climate-conscious actions. At a moment when critical climate information is being deleted or distorted, we are stepping up to rescue key climate resources—including the U.S. Global Change Research Program's now-deleted Fifth National Climate Assessment—and to ensure the public has continued easy access to the facts. Our goal is to build an enduring, independent, and scientifically rigorous platform that the world can rely on for climate communication, education, and engagement.

Republished from ASFPM News & Views Oct 2026 Issue

The U.S. Geological Survey has a mobile tool that provides real-time information on water levels, weather, and flood forecasts all in one place.

The USGS National Water Dashboard will help inform forecasting, response, and recovery efforts for agencies such as the National Weather Service, FEMA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other federal, state and local agencies.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications in Kentucky for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), which helps landowners, land trusts and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands or protect working farms and ranches through conservation easements.

While NRCS accepts ACEP applications year-round, Kentucky producers and landowners should apply by November 30, 2026 to be considered for funding in the current cycle. Applications received after the application date will automatically be considered during the next funding cycle. Funding is provided through a competitive process.

To learn more or apply, please visit your local NRCS Kentucky field office, or contact Brad Brown, Easement Specialist, Bradley.brown@usda.gov or 270-821-4430.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) program helps small businesses prepare for natural disasters and recover as quickly as possible if a disaster strikes. All businesses have to do is complete a checklist and register for the opportunity to receive a $5,000 grant. Get started today: https://uscc.foundation/3HG5GOC

The Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) grant program is offered in a US Chamber of Commerce partnership with Verizon, made possible by founding partner FedEx and additional support from trusted corporate partners who care about small businesses and their communities.

This competitive grant program opened October 22, 2026, to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to reduce flood claims against the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program prioritizes:
(1) capability and capacity building activities,
(2) localized flood risk reductions projects,
(3) individual flood mitigation projects.
Download the FMA2026 NOFO here.

FEMA HQ is hosting a Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance Funding Opportunity Webinar, November 4, 2026, 2:00pm-3:30pm Eastern. Registration is required. Register Here

To submit a preapplication please use the following link, https://arcg.is/119fjO5
The grant timeline is listed below:
October 22, 2026 – Application period opens
November 20, 2026 – Pre-application due to State
December 2, 2026 – Notice to pre applicants of eligibility
December 23, 20

Recipients can use this funding to better prepare for floods, the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States.
Flood Mitigation Assistance aims to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive damage to buildings and structures insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is one of several FEMA mitigation grant programs that empower state, local, tribal and territorial governments to take proactive steps to protect their communities.
Projects eligible for funding include building acquisitions and elevations. Other eligible activities include community-wide projects like drainage improvements and stabilizing soil to eliminate or reduce flooding effects.

Properties eligible for funding must have a NFIP flood insurance policy.

FEMA will host a webinar on Nov. 4, from 2-3:30 p.m. ET, to assist with applications. To sign up, please visit the FEMA event page.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced an investment of $5 million in partnerships to help agricultural producers and private landowners restore and steward wetlands and floodplains through conservation easements. These projects, funded by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), deliver Farmers First, direct-to-producer benefits while improving water quality, reducing flooding risks and providing habitat for wildlife.

The Kentucky River Authority is supported by water user fees that are collected from facilities that withdraw water from the basin. In 2003, the KRA began allocating a portion of the fees toward a Watershed Grant Program to help support organizations interested in improving water quality in the Kentucky River and its tributaries. The University of Kentucky Water Research Institute administers this grant program on behalf of KRA. The goal is to support water quality improvement initiatives throughout the Kentucky River Basin.

Up to $336,000 through the Environmental Grant Program are now available to county conservation districts to help address agricultural and environmental challenges. The program helps reduce agricultural pollution that may wash into Kentucky’s rivers, streams, lakes and groundwater.

“The Environmental Grant Program gives local conservation districts the flexibility to address the unique environmental challenges facing their communities,” said Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary John Lyons. “These investments help protect Kentucky’s natural resources while improving public health, supporting agriculture and enhancing the quality of life for all Kentuckians.”

County conservation districts can apply by visiting the following page and completing the Conservation District Environmental Grant Application by November 15, 2026.

ASFPM 2027 Future Leaders Scholarship &
17th Annual Student Paper Competition
2027 - 2029 Future Leaders Scholarship for Undergraduate Students

The ASFPM Foundation Future Leaders Scholarship offers up to $20,000 annually for two years to a selected undergraduate student entering their junior year or the final two years of a five-year program in the fall of 2027, and who are studying fields related to floodplain and flood risk management.

Key Details:
· Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing degrees in engineering, planning, or biological, earth or social sciences.
· Application Deadline: February 1, 2027 (11:59 PM Central).
· Requirements: Applicants must be interested in a career in a flood-related field.
· The Scholarship is for undergraduate studies only.
· Learn more about eligibility and application requirements (and download a flyer) at www.asfpmfoundation.org/scholarships-and-grants/future-leaders-scholarship.

Tens of thousands of small barriers hamper fish recovery in the northeastern United States. But while the demolition of big dams out west gets the most attention, a similar revolution is revitalizing northeastern streams and rivers—one tiny dam at a time.