Communities in New England have until May 9 to apply for grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for projects that promote the agency's commitment to protecting the environment and improving people's quality of life.
EPA New England announced its 2022 Healthy Communities Grant Program (HCGP) on March 17, stating it is a "unique opportunity" for local organizations to address local environmental priorities. Projects must address and mitigate environmental risks to improve health protections, improve resilience and preserve and restore ecosystems, according to the announcement.
"EPA is proud of our continued investments to make a tangible difference addressing local environmental health concerns in New England communities," David W. Cash, EPA New England Regional Administrator, said in the announcement. "The projects stemming from this funding will surely have a positive, lasting impact of protecting human health and the environment."
Approximately 15 cooperative agreements will be awarded, the announcement states. To be eligible, projects must be in at least one of three "target investment areas," the EPA reports. Target investment areas are defined as "areas needing to create community resilience; environmental justice areas of potential concern; or sensitive populations."
Applicants must also explain how the project will accomplish measurable results in at least one of seven "target program areas," defined by the EPA as "capacity building in minority or low-income populations; clean, green, and healthy schools; energy efficiency; healthy indoor environments; healthy outdoor environments; pollution prevention; and/or sustainable materials management."
Past recipients have frequently helped achieve public health and environmental improvements, particularly to overburdened or vulnerable communities. Our Healthy Communities grants show how EPA can work closely with local organizations to advance public health protection."
EPA's New England Region encompasses Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and 10 Tribal Nations.
