Measures for Waterbody Development and Flood Protection

The grant program anchored in Hesse supports comprehensive measures for ecological watercourse development and preventive flood protection. Municipalities, public institutions, interest groups, associations, and companies receive funding rates between 20% and 95% for construction measures related to the near-natural redesign of flowing waters, the expansion and new construction of dikes or retention basins, initial planting measures, and the acquisition of land. Scientific accompanying studies, expenses for public participation, as well as compensation and indemnity payments are also eligible for funding. The goal is the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the improvement of the ecological condition of water bodies, and the permanent preservation of flood protection facilities throughout Hesse.

The funding requirements stipulate that projects may only commence after the application has been submitted and that all legal regulations (e.g., water law, environmental, nature, and landscape protection) are complied with. Watercourse development measures must be anchored in the WFD action program, in a watercourse development concept, or within the framework of a water body inspection. In cases of extraordinary flood damage, official confirmation is required. Expenses under €5,000 are considered a de minimis threshold and are not eligible for funding. Applications can be submitted continuously via the responsible water authority to the Economic and Infrastructure Bank of Hesse. Decisions are made based on economic efficiency, environmental compatibility, and the financial capacity of the applicants. This program sustainably supports near-natural watercourse design and strengthens preventive flood protection on site.