The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the opening of the University of Connecticut's (UConn) Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC), aimed at addressing environmental justice challenges across New England. The EPA has awarded UConn $10 million to establish one of 18 TCTACs nationwide, supporting their work for five years.
UConn's TCTAC will assist communities in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and federally recognized Tribes in navigating federal grant applications and enhancing community engagement capacity. This initiative is intended to help these communities benefit from funding opportunities provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
David W. Cash, EPA New England Regional Administrator, stated that "Too often, communities with the most pressing environmental justice concerns have been left behind due to barriers in accessing federal funding," emphasizing that UConn's center will improve access to services for underserved communities.
Pamir Alpay, UConn Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship noted that "As Connecticut's flagship university," UConn is committed to serving its communities with support from the EPA.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed his support by stating: "Armed with this $10 million," UConn can aid communities in preserving environmental resources. Senator Chris Murphy also remarked on the importance of this partnership in enabling every community to benefit from federal investments.
U.S. Representative John B. Larson highlighted his enthusiasm about the center’s opening and its role as a vital resource for ensuring equitable advocacy for environmental interests across New England.
Additionally, U.S. Representative Joe Courtney praised the leadership at UConn under President Maric and emphasized the center’s role in helping organizations utilize federal funding from recent laws championed by Congress.
To achieve these goals, UConn will collaborate with various organizations such as Environmental Protection Network and Groundwork USA affiliates among others to provide region-specific technical assistance tailored to urban and rural needs alike.
The formation of EJ technical assistance centers like this responds directly to feedback calling for more support in accessing critical federal resources. These centers are part of a broader effort under the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 Initiative aiming to direct benefits towards disadvantaged communities dealing with historical disinvestment and infrastructure challenges while fostering a clean energy economy.
