The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the allocation of $34,403,346 to support environmental and climate justice projects in Alabama and Tennessee. This funding is part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, representing the largest single investment in environmental justice to date. The Community Change Grants Program aims to reduce pollution, enhance community climate resilience, and build community capacity through projects informed by stakeholder engagement.

“Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.”

Jeaneanne Gettle, acting Regional Administrator for EPA’s Southeast Region, expressed enthusiasm about the awards: “This first set of impactful community change grants will help hundreds of residents in Chattanooga and Alabama address significant quality of life issues that they have endured as environmental justice communities.”

The initial selection includes over $14 million awarded to Texas A&M University and the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (BBUWP). This grant will fund onsite wastewater treatment systems for 350 households in Alabama's Hale, Lowndes, and Wilcox counties. It also includes a training program aimed at producing skilled wastewater professionals.

“After receiving notification of the Community Change Grant award, the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (BBUWP) is ecstatic and even more focused on our work to solve the wastewater issues in the Black Belt counties of Alabama,” said Perman Hardy, president of BBUWP.

Additionally, nearly $20 million has been allocated to Trust for Public Land and the City of Chattanooga for developing a 2.6-mile trail system in south Chattanooga. This project aims to expand greenspace, improve stormwater management using nature-based solutions, and reconnect three disadvantaged communities isolated by infrastructure barriers.

“This is a historic investment in an area of Chattanooga that needs and deserves it,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “This $19.5 million will help us extend the Alton Park Connector from the Riverwalk to Clifton Hills Elementary while investing in community organizations.”

Noel Durant from Trust for Public Land highlighted the significance: “EPA’s award is a transformational investment in a longstanding priority for South Chattanooga’s isolated neighborhoods.”

Community advocate Maria Noel emphasized local impact: “This award shows how our voices and advocacy can change our community's story by connecting us to a shared vision of possibilities.”

These grants are part of 21 selections made nationally under this program's rolling application process designed with robust stakeholder input. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) remains open until November 21, 2024.

For further information on applying or seeking technical assistance before August 16, 2024:

- [Community Change Grants NOFO](https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program)

- [Environmental Justice at EPA](https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice)

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