Co-authored by NLC intern Sharon Glenn
Community Project Requests — previously referred to as “earmarks” — are one-time funding requests that can be spent over a one-year project period. Unlike traditional grant applications, which are submitted to federal agencies, cities submit a project proposal directly to their Senators and respective House Member.
In Longboat Key, Florida, community project funding was used to strengthen resilience and mitigate flooding in a town located on a barrier island.
This blog is based on an interview with the town.
The Project at a Glance
- Location: Town of Longboat Key, FL
- Population: 7,505
- Project: Flood Mitigation
- Funding Source: FY22 Homeland Security Appropriations
- Funding Amount: $350,000
- Writer: City Staff
- Timeline: Received award in 2022, project complete
Community Need
Longboat Key, a barrier island off Florida’s western coast, serves as frontline defense for the mainland. It thus faces heightened flooding risks from rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms. To address these challenges, the community is faced with rebuilding and retrofitting miles of roadway to withstand flooding. However, even short stretches are costly, with a single road repair often costing several million dollars for less than one mile. Despite the expense, mitigation remains a key priority, as flooding renders roadways impassable and creates serious public safety risks.
The town commission has prioritized disaster resiliency to better protect residents in flood-prone neighborhoods. Community involvement has been key in understanding the need for projects. The town works with homeowner’s associations (HOAs) and their drainage subcommittees to identify priorities, conduct studies and phase projects. New “resiliency dashboards” give residents real-time updates on projects in their neighborhoods, while regular briefings ensure citizens stay informed and can provide feedback.
Funding in Action
Longboat Key has prioritized using community project funding for the initial design phase. Federal and state programs rarely cover design and planning, but having shovel-ready projects is often essential to compete for larger grants. The town also used community project funding to harden Town Hall and purchase a new generator to ensure that essential personnel and operations remain functional when emergencies occur.
“Without this type of funding, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to get the design or construction costs for projects in many low-lying neighborhoods throughout the Key.”
– Charlie Mopps, Public Works Director
Longboat Key is split between two counties and leverages their relationships to collaborate with both on solving problems. The town works with citizens, grant experts other municipalities and emergency management to research funding opportunities that align with their unique needs. The town also keeps in regular contact with its Congressional delegation to ensure a communication line for project ideas and funding needs. Their government relations team serves as an integral asset to promote what the town is doing, get feedback on future projects and stay up to date on the interests of their senators and representatives.
Impact on the Ground
Prior to these projects, high tide and rain regularly blocked emergency personnel from accessing flooded roads. The recent storms of Hurrican Milton, Ian and Helene have demonstrated just how damaging increasingly severe storms can be for Longboat Key and other vulnerable communities.
“Longboat Key has experienced increased flooding in the low-lying portions of our island in recent years, culminating in the severe damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton last Fall. We are grateful for the support provided… which will help Longboat Key strengthen our community’s resilience and safeguard critical infrastructure.”
– Mayor Kenneth Schneier
Community Project funding has helped to change that reality. Resilience projects have improved road accessibility for both residents and emergency vehicles.
Learn More
Explore NLC’s guide to tracking FY2026 Community Project Requests in Congress to help your city successfully navigate the process.
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