EPA offers $2 million in grants to reduce pollution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making $2 million available in 2010 to reduce pollution at the local level through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program. CARE is a community-based program that works with local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations and universities to help the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources.
The grants will be disbursed in two levels. Level I awards range from $75,000 to $100,000 and will be used to establish community-based partnerships to develop local environmental priorities. Level II awards, ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 each, will support communities that have established broad-based partnerships and identified the priority toxic risks in their communities, and are prepared to measure results, implement risk-reduction activities and become self-sustaining.
Last year, EPA’s CARE program distributed $2 million to nine communities, including Kennett, Mo., to address waste and stormwater issues; Holyoke, Mass., to reduce air and water pollution; Wheeling, W.Va., to address water pollution from coal slurry; Pueblo, Colo., to reduce radon and other indoor air pollutants; and Toksook Bay, Alaska, to tackle the problem of hazardous waste materials and open dumping. Since 2005, the grants have reached 68 communities in 34 states and territories.
Applications for the CARE grants are due March 9. EPA will conduct three Webcasts to answer questions about the application process on Feb. 2, 23, and 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Read more information about the grants.