Lower Saxony doubles flood preparedness funding to €11.3 million
Lower Saxony has boosted funding for heavy rainfall preparedness to around €11.3 million. The move comes after the initial €5.2 million was fully allocated in the first round of applications. Local councils can now apply for grants to develop protection plans against extreme weather. The state government initially set aside €5.2 million for heavy rainfall preparedness. All funds were claimed in the first application phase, leading to 46 approved projects. Funding notifications for these were sent out in April.
In response to high demand, Lower Saxony added another €6 million to the programme. The total available now stands at approximately €11.3 million. Environment Minister Christian Meyer emphasised the state’s commitment to supporting local authorities in climate adaptation. Municipalities can receive grants covering up to 80% of their planning costs. Those facing financial difficulties may qualify for up to 90% funding. The maximum grant per applicant is €150,000, though intermunicipal projects can secure up to €400,000. The application portal at NBank remains open without interruption. A second deadline has been set for February 26, 2027, giving councils more time to submit their proposals.
The expanded funding aims to help more communities prepare for extreme weather events. With €11.3 million now available, local governments can access greater financial support for their projects. The next application cutoff is February 26, 2027, while the portal stays open for continuous submissions.