The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $19,555,386 in environmental and climate justice community change grant funding for Lane County, Oregon, and United Way of Lane County. Lane County’s grant application is among 21 selected to receive funding aimed at helping disadvantaged communities address environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, enhance community climate resilience, and build community capacity.
Lane County and United Way of Lane County plan to invest in six facilities to create a network of community resilience hubs designed to support residents during emergencies such as wildfires and heat waves. The project includes building the capacity of local organizations providing resilience services, training medical and non-medical volunteers for emergency assistance, and equipping the hubs with necessary supplies. Additionally, the project will work on expanding and improving the county’s emergency response planning network to support comprehensive community responses during severe events. The feasibility of installing solar energy storage on these hubs will also be assessed.
“We’re proud to announce the first round of Community Change grant selections to support environmental justice and more equitable communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act will help mitigate impacts from wildfire smoke and heat events. By funding these community-driven solutions, we are supporting local environmental priorities that will make a meaningful difference in supporting public health and environmental quality.”
Senator Ron Wyden remarked on the timeliness of this announcement given current wildfires in Lane County: “I’m glad the Inflation Reduction Act that I worked to pass is producing these crucial investments to help Lane County keep people safe during wildfires and other emergencies that threaten lives and properties.”
Senator Jeff Merkley emphasized the importance of preparedness: “Ensuring Oregonians and communities across the region are safe and prepared when disasters strike is critical. This EPA funding for Lane County and the United Way of Lane County to realize a network of resilience hubs—complete with training, equipment, and more—will prove essential for community members during weather events from devastating wildfires to extreme heat.”
Representative Val Hoyle highlighted the significance of this investment: “This $19 million investment from the EPA’s Community Change Grants Program is critical to supporting disaster and weather resilience in Lane County. This means Lane County and United Way of Lane County will have more resources to build out their volunteer response during emergencies, leading to stronger relief efforts.”
Commissioner Laurie Trieger expressed enthusiasm about being selected for the grant: “We are thrilled to be one of the first communities to be selected for the EPA Community Change Grant. This $20 million investment enables us to establish a resilience hub network across Lane County to directly benefit residents, metro and rural alike, on good days and bad.”
These grants are part of a rolling application process under the Community Change Grants Program designed so applicants have ample time to prepare their submissions. The program's Notice of Funding Opportunity remains open until November 21.
The EPA encourages applicants who meet program requirements to submit their applications promptly as it continues reviewing them throughout 2024. Interested applicants should apply for technical assistance by August 16.
For further information about Community Change Grants: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program
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