Cutler Bay adopts comprehensive vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan

The Town of Cutler Bay on Jan. 15 adopted the town's Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan, a technical document intended to guide local climate resilience planning and to meet eligibility requirements for state resilience grants.

The council approved the resolution by voice vote after staff and consultants presented the plan. Town Manager Ralph and consultants from the Cardno (Cardona) Group were thanked for producing the assessment, which council members described as thorough. The manager and staff said the plan identifies Legacy Park among sites noted in the vulnerability analysis and that the assessment will position the town to apply for implementation grants this summer when the state opens the funding portal.

Why it matters: Adoption is a prerequisite for many state resilience funding programs. Staff and outside consultants told the council that jurisdictions must have an adopted vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan to be competitive for Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) implementation funding.

Key details: Council Member Ramirez moved to approve the resolution (item 11c); Council Member Duncan seconded. The motion passed by voice vote. The manager noted the plan is 408 pages and that the town would seek planning and implementation grants tied to the assessment.

Next steps: Staff said they will use the adopted plan to pursue resiliency and coastal-protection grants during the state's grant cycle. The town will also use the plan to support project prioritization, including items tied to Legacy Park.

Attribution: Statements in this article come from the Jan. 15 council meeting presentation and the town manager's remarks as recorded in the transcript.