Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $16,465,618 in environmental and climate justice community change grant funding for the City of Pocatello, Idaho, and the Portneuf Greenway Foundation. Pocatello’s grant application is among 21 selected to receive funding aimed at assisting disadvantaged communities in addressing environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity.
The City of Pocatello and Portneuf Greenway Foundation plan to implement a series of projects to revitalize the city’s South 5th Avenue corridor. These projects include investing in water infrastructure by installing sewer lines in unsewered neighborhoods and more than 50 drinking water stations. Additionally, they plan to transform three miles of South 5th Avenue into a “complete street” and install a six-mile trail connecting South 5th Avenue to existing green space. The initiative also includes expanding tree canopy and investing in stormwater management at local parks.
“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 improve water quality, support new tree canopy, and provide new recreational opportunities. 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.”
“The City of Pocatello is excited to receive this grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to make vital improvements along our South 5th corridor,” said Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad. “We look forward to implementing these community-driven projects that will help transform one of our disadvantaged neighborhoods and bring opportunities to Pocatello as a whole.”
These selected applications are the first under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process designed to ensure applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity is still accepting applications through November 21.
EPA will continue reviewing applications on a rolling basis throughout 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply for technical assistance by August 16.
For more information about the Community Change Grants Program: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program
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