The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the opening of the University of Connecticut's (UConn) Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC). This center will provide technical assistance to communities and organizations across New England, focusing on addressing local environmental justice challenges. The initiative includes a $10 million award to UConn, supporting its efforts over the next five years.
The TCTAC aims to assist communities in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and federally recognized Tribes in navigating federal grant applications and enhancing community engagement. The center is part of a nationwide network of 18 such centers established by the EPA.
"Too often, communities with the most pressing environmental justice concerns have been left behind due to barriers in accessing federal funding," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. He emphasized that UConn's technical assistance center would be pivotal for underserved communities and Tribal nations.
Pamir Alpay, UConn Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, stated: "As Connecticut's flagship university, UConn takes pride in service to our communities and helping to prepare them for the environmental challenges they face in the present and the future."
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen highlighted the importance of programs like TCTAC in breaking down barriers for rural and underserved communities applying for federal funding. "Granite State communities should not hesitate to utilize this resource from EPA Region 1 that will help bring more federal dollars to those that need it the most," she said.
"You shouldn't need an advanced degree to navigate and access federal funding opportunities," noted U.S. Representative Annie Kuster. She praised UConn's role as a regional technical assistance center in empowering underserved communities.
U.S. Representative Chris Pappas expressed support for initiatives that improve access to resources for addressing environmental and health challenges faced by underserved communities: "This technical assistance center will improve access to these resources... I'll keep working to cut red tape for federal resources."
UConn will collaborate with several organizations including Environmental Protection Network, Groundwork USA affiliates in Bridgeport, Lawrence, and Providence; New England Rural Health Association; University of Massachusetts Boston's Institute for New England Native American Studies; and University of Southern Maine's New England Environmental Finance Center.
The establishment of EJ technical assistance centers responds directly to community feedback seeking support in accessing federal resources. The initiative is part of the Federal Interagency Thriving Communities Network under President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aiming at channeling 40% of certain federal investments toward disadvantaged communities.
