Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz recently presented the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission with a $3.9 million Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant. The ceremony took place in Winchester, Virginia, and marked a significant step towards new and expanded recycling infrastructure.
State and local officials joined the EPA to celebrate the awarding of this grant, which will aid in re-establishing curbside recycling, upgrading tire grinding operations, and purchasing improved recycling receptacles. These initiatives are expected to have an immediate impact on the region, including rural underserved communities that currently lack easy access to recycling services. This move aligns with the agency's commitment to advancing sustainability initiatives.
"The Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda is tackling environmental challenges across our nation, and this is another historic investment to address waste management issues in our local communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. "We're proud to deliver these critical resources provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support recycling initiatives and environmental stewardship to build a more resilient, sustainable and cleaner future for the Northern Shenandoah Valley."
The NSVRC was one of 25 community organizations selected for the SWIFR grant. This funding will enable NSVRC’s plans for transforming recycling services to include approximately 10,000 curbside recycling containers, 63 recycling containers at convenience centers, landfills and other sites, as well as diverting more than 750 tons of tires from landfills.
"We are honored to receive nearly $4 million in competitive funding from the EPA to enhance recycling infrastructure in the Northern Shenandoah Valley,” said Dennis Morris, Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission chairman. “This award will be instrumental in upgrading our recycling facilities, meeting the goals of our solid waste management plan, and fostering sustainable waste management practices through collaborative efforts."
In September 2023, under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the EPA announced more than $100 million to expand recycling infrastructure and waste management systems across the country. This funding represents the EPA’s most significant recycling investment in 30 years, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The SWIFR grant also supports the agency’s National Recycling Strategy by enabling a “circular economy” to keep materials and products in use longer.
For more information on the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant program, visit the EPA website.
