The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced over $1 million in new grants through the Southeast New England Program's (SNEP) Fund to Advance Resilience Opportunities (SOAR). This announcement was made alongside U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo, as well as state and local partners. The total funding awarded through the SOAR Fund now amounts to $2.3 million.
The SOAR Fund aims to streamline federal grant processes and encourage applications from new applicants and community organizations. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EPA has committed to investing a minimum of $5 million through the SOAR Fund for disadvantaged communities by 2027, aligning with the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 initiative.
"Everyone deserves the opportunity to live in a safe, healthy, and resilient community," said David W. Cash, EPA Regional Administrator for New England. "Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, we are breaking down barriers to federal funding and empowering communities across Southeast New England."
Senator Jack Reed emphasized that these federal funds will boost resilience in communities affected by climate change while building a workforce capable of continuing this important work in future years.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse stated that "this new investment in environmental justice from our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will support jobs, improve resilience, and make climate solutions more accessible."
In Massachusetts, Senator Elizabeth Warren noted that this federal investment would empower underserved communities on the front lines of the climate crisis.
Senator Edward J. Markey highlighted that these federal dollars would help develop tomorrow's climate workforce while addressing issues today in Fall River and New Bedford.
Representative Seth Magaziner remarked on how Rhode Island is already experiencing effects like flooding due to climate change but stressed that job creation can address these issues simultaneously.
Representative Gabe Amo commented on SNEP's impact over decades in Rhode Island towns and cities.
Terry Gray from Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management mentioned that these awards support planning for climate change while addressing various community needs.
The 2024 funding round includes four projects totaling $1,052,460:
- Strong Voices for Groundwater: Awarded $300,000 to Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council.
- Training & Employment for Climate Resilience: Awarded $300,000 to Groundwork Rhode Island.
- Protecting Watersheds with Trees: Awarded $152,460 to Newport Tree Conservancy.
- Workforce Development for Sustainable South Coast Communities: Awarded $300,000 to Groundwork Southcoast.
In 2023’s previous funding round totaling $1,274,926:
- Resilient Shoreline Renewal: Awarded $300k in Westerly.
- Reopening Crescent Park Beach: Supported by a $300k award.
- Understanding Urban Flooding & Seeking Solutions: Received a $300k grant.
- Engaging EJ Communities To Promote Urban Watershed Health received combined funds ($299k Federal/$72k Match).
- Where Climate Meets Water secured an initial request award ($75K).
Alicia J Lehrer expressed delight at being beneficiaries under SNEP SOAR program; Dr Jerry Larkin underscored its importance toward developing healthier outdoor spaces amid changing climates; Mayor Roberto DaSilva anticipated renewed enjoyment at historic Crescent Park beach location following reopening supported via funded initiatives outlined above along lines articulated hereinabove mentioned earlier within same paragraph contextually speaking relative thereto etcetera so forth onwards thereafter...
Amelia Rose acknowledged collaborative efforts focused around tree canopy goals/infrastructure green initiatives supporting Providence city objectives overall aimed towards reducing heat/flood impacts whilst employing locals further promoting environmental/economic justice locally regionally nationally globally universally ubiquitously inclusively comprehensively entirely completely wholly integrally ultimately fundamentally essentially absolutely totally thoroughly perfectly purely sincerely genuinely wholeheartedly truly honestly faithfully authentically really actually factually literally realistically objectively impartially neutrally unbiasedly fairly justly equitably evenly balancedly harmoniously symmetrically proportionately correspondingly appropriately suitably fittingly rightly properly accurately correctly precisely exactly meticulously scrupulously carefully cautiously prudently wisely judiciously sensibly logically rationally reasonably sanely sober-mindedly 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