Grant 81579 (Ducks Unlimited, Inc.)

Located in the urban town of Clinton, CT, the 309-acre Hammock River estuary has several tidal restrictions on the primary channel, with the most significant restriction occurring at the bridge and tide gate system at Beach Park Road. The critical restoration activity we are proposing is the replacement of the bridge and tide gates that span the River to restore 185-acres of tidal marsh within for community and ecological benefits. The current infrastructure limits tidal ebb and flow, increasing flooding during storms and puts ~$18M in public and private investments and business at risk. The project will reduce risks to life and property from natural hazards and meets several goals within the Town's 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Further, our project will meet nature-based solution goals through strategic tidal management by incrementally restoring the hydrology of the tidal system by updating and expanding the bridge and tide gate system on Hammock River.