The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the City of Worcester a $499,000 grant to support community revitalization and cleanup projects at brownfield sites in the area. This funding is part of President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which aims to promote economic opportunity and environmental justice.
Worcester plans to use this grant to train 80 students, focusing on those from its six urban core Opportunity Zone Census Tracts, identified as disadvantaged Justice40 communities. The training program will consist of 83 hours of instruction, providing students with up to two state and five federal certifications.
Key partners in this initiative include the Central Massachusetts Region Planning Commission, the City of Worcester Department of Public Works and Parks, MassHire Central Region Career Centers, Resource Options, Inc., We Fix It Renovate, Inc., the Worcester Business Development Corporation, the Worcester Housing Authority, and the Worcester Jobs Fund.
"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 Elizabeth Warren remarked on the benefits of the grant: "With this grant, Worcester will be able to train students to clean up and revitalize local brownfield sites. It's a win-win: the federal government is investing in our workforce with life-long skills while working to advance environmental justice."
U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey added: "We celebrate securing half a million dollars for Worcester to invest in the next generation of environmental remediation professionals... This new workforce will build wealth and create economic opportunity in their community and throughout our region."
The Brownfields Job Training Program aims to develop a skilled workforce for assessment, cleanup, and preparation activities at brownfield sites. Graduates often come from historically underserved neighborhoods or areas affected by environmental justice issues.
Since 1998, EPA has awarded over $113 million through Brownfield Job Training Programs nationwide. More than 23,400 individuals have completed training under these programs with over 17,400 placed in related careers.
For further details on Brownfields Job Training Grant recipients or inquiries about applying for such grants can be directed via EPA's online resources.
