The SNEP Network 5 Year Report is available. Read the full report here.
Executive Summary:
On September 26, 2024, the SNEP Network held its year end celebration that recognized the Network’s collaboration with over 75 municipalities, Tribes, and community organizations from the last 5 years. Together, Network Partners, communities, Tribes, and EPA came together to celebrate the achievements of the SNEP communities for their commitment to advancing collaboration on addressing regional climate resilience, stormwater/watershed management, ecological restoration, and sustainable financing challenges.
Since 2019, the Network has successfully navigated numerous challenges including the creation of the SNEP Network during a global pandemic, capacity issues within communities and partner organizations. Despite these challenges, the Network achieved significant milestones, including the completion of 35 community assistance projects, delivery of 43 webinars, facilitation of 3 leadership exchange events, and responses to over 120 technical assistance requests. The Network has helped SNEP communities secure over $5 million to advance their stormwater and climate resilience projects. The Network’s adaptive approach to collaboration among local, state, federal, and Tribal partners was pivotal in elevating community practices to address regional environmental challenges through capacity-building, delivering targeted technical assistance, and promoting peer to peer learning.
The SNEP Network prioritized capacity-building through diverse training and webinars that empowered local governments and organizations, successfully delivering over 40 webinars on green infrastructure implementation, low-impact development and bylaw review, and financing 101. Through initiatives like the Stormwater Planning Series, communities gained the tools and expertise to design nature-based stormwater retrofits, enabling them to independently develop and implement effective solutions. The Bylaw Review Curriculum empowered municipalities to incorporate low-impact development and climate resilience measures into local regulations, enhancing their ability to manage land use sustainably. Additionally, peer-to-peer exchanges and regional workshops facilitated the sharing of best practices, ensuring communities could learn from successful approaches across the region. These efforts collectively built stronger local capacity, enabling communities to take ownership of solutions that address water quality, habitat restoration, and climate resilience.
A cornerstone of the SNEP Network’s structure was its tailored technical assistance program, which supported municipalities, Tribes, and community organizations. The Pre-Approved Consultant Pool streamlined access to specialized expertise in areas such as engineering services, green infrastructure, stormwater management, and sustainable financing. The Network created a Call for Participants process that identified and supported community projects, with more than 30 municipalities and Tribal nations receiving direct assistance that advanced projects toward implementation.
Technical assistance from the SNEP Network significantly enhanced communities’ ability to leverage funds for project implementation by providing technical expertise, strategic planning support, and access to funding opportunities. By supporting communities in aligning their projects with funding criteria and providing hands-on assistance with applications, the SNEP Network helped secure over $5 million for climate resilience, water quality improvement, and infrastructure projects. The SNEP Network also implemented several region-wide initiatives to address shared regional challenges and promote sustainable practices. These efforts included developing resources such as the New England Stormwater Retrofit Manual, the Buffer Restoration Guide, and the Tree Trench Guide.
The SNEP Network has demonstrated the transformative power of collaboration, effectively channeling federal resources to address local and regional challenges. By convening a diverse group of partners with expertise in stormwater management, watershed planning, and financial resiliency, the Network has successfully supported municipalities and communities in building capacity and advancing critical projects.
The SNEP Network will continue to assist the region’s cities, towns, and Tribes for another five years. With EPA Region 1 funding, the Network will continue to provide free assistance with watershed and stormwater management, regional tool development and application and training and assistance to pay for climate resilience projects. In this next phase, The Network will add programs to develop the workforce for septic maintenance and green infrastructure, which are much needed in the entire SNEP region.