Union County Review

The John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University has secured a $2.7 million grant for climate resilience initiatives in New Jersey. This funding is part of a broader $72 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) aimed at enhancing green infrastructure and climate resilience across the state.

The Building a Climate Ready NJ initiative, backed by this five-year grant to the state Department of Environmental Protection, emphasizes support for disadvantaged and overburdened communities. The Watson Institute will lead efforts to advance equity and support underserved populations.

“As New Jersey’s premier urban research university and a vital anchor institution, Kean is prepared to lead the way in climate resilience through the Watson Institute,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “By focusing on environmental justice and research in our coastal communities, we are anchoring down and committing to build a climate-ready New Jersey. Kean will help ensure every community has the resources and solutions necessary for a sustainable future.”

The Watson Institute’s role includes coordinating a Green Infrastructure Training and Entrepreneurship initiative targeted at disadvantaged communities, as well as integrating input from community stakeholders. Rutgers University and the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance are also partners in this project.

Kean Senior Vice President for Transformational Learning and External Affairs Joseph Youngblood II, Ph.D., emphasized Kean's leadership in environmental justice: "The John S. Watson Institute will address the critical issue of climate resilience while enabling underserved communities to create customized solutions,” he said. “Our participation in this initiative is crucial, and we're eager to utilize the comprehensive resources of New Jersey's sole urban research university."

Barbara George Johnson, vice president of External Affairs at Kean, highlighted the institute's commitment: “Kean University and the John S. Watson Institute are deeply committed to advancing equity and uplifting underserved communities,” she said.

Nicky Sheats, Ph.D., director of the Center for the Urban Environment at the Watson Institute, noted: "This funding from NOAA should allow the grant partners to help New Jersey communities fight the detrimental impacts of climate change."

This $72 million grant forms part of NOAA’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge's total allocation of $575 million nationwide. The goal is to enhance resilience against extreme weather events and sea-level rise among New Jersey’s coastal areas.

The Watson Institute comprises various policy centers that aid informed public policy decisions within New Jersey. It serves as an essential resource for decision-makers seeking real-world solutions.

As part of its contribution to this project, the Watson Institute will work with community organizations through training programs on green infrastructure, facilitate feedback sessions with stakeholders, and recruit participants for a National Green Infrastructure Certification Program aimed at supporting small businesses in disadvantaged areas.

"We are excited to work with Kean University, DEP, and our communities," said Melissa Miles, executive director of the Alliance. "We look forward to facilitating community engagement ensuring we prioritize equity throughout this initiative."