The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Groundwork Rhode Island a $500,000 grant to support the recruitment, training, and placement of workers in community revitalization and cleanup projects at brownfield sites. The funding is part of the Brownfields Job Training Program grants under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed at promoting economic opportunity and environmental justice.
Groundwork Rhode Island plans to train 72 students with a program comprising 206 hours of instruction. Participants will earn up to three federal certifications upon completion. The initiative targets unemployed, underemployed, and economically underserved adults, including those with justice-system involvement from Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Woonsocket.
The project collaborates with several partners: the City of Providence Department of Public Works, Ground Flora, Open Doors, Progreso Latino, the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, the Stormwater Innovation Center, and Zero Waste Providence.
"Brownfields Job Training grants change lives and improve communities that have been overburdened by contaminated properties for far too long," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David Cash. "Thanks to President Biden's Investing in America agenda, EPA is helping to create good-paying jobs for low-income, unemployed, and under-employed residents who are helping make their communities cleaner, healthier and stronger."
U.S. Senator Jack Reed highlighted the impact on local employment: "Groundwork Rhode Island's job training program will put Rhode Islanders to work revitalizing contaminated properties and rejuvenating communities by restoring brownfield sites to productive use."
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse added that "the EPA's Brownfields program is breathing new life into Rhode Island neighborhoods." He noted that this federal funding supports training for a new generation of environmental stewards equipped to revitalize polluted areas across the state.
Representative Seth Magaziner emphasized how clean-up grants benefit both public health and employment: "This federal funding will put Rhode Islanders to work and transform polluted sites into community assets for generations to come."
Representative Gabe Amo pointed out the broader implications: "This federal funding to help recruit, train, and place workers on critical projects will help accelerate cleanup efforts while expanding job opportunities."
Stephanie Moniz from GroundWork Rhode Island remarked on the empowerment aspect: "Through this grant we have been able to give community members an opportunity to gain skills and empower them to take on challenges that have plagued their community and loved ones for generations."
The EPA's Brownfields Job Training Program aims to develop a skilled workforce in areas where brownfield site activities are underway. Graduates often overcome significant barriers to employment and typically receive certifications in various fields such as lead abatement or hazardous waste operations.
Since its inception in 1998, more than 23,400 individuals have completed training through EPA-funded programs. Over 17,400 have secured careers related to land remediation or environmental health and safety.
For further details about Brownfields Job Training Grant recipients or information about other types of Brownfields Grants available through the EPA's initiatives under President Biden’s leadership can be accessed via their official website.