The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated $8 million for recycling projects in Alaska and Washington as part of its Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Political Subdivisions. On December 11, the EPA selected 17 local governments to receive a total of $58 million under this program.
In Region 10, two projects have been chosen: the Shoreline Reuse Center in Washington and the Vehicle End-of-life (Unalaska DRIVE) project in Alaska. The City of Shoreline aims to create a center where residents and businesses can acquire, donate, repair, and repurpose goods. This initiative is expected to divert over 670 tons of reusable materials from becoming municipal solid waste during the grant period. The funding amount for this project is $4,448,848.
The Unalaska DRIVE project will focus on processing abandoned vehicles, purchasing equipment for material sorting and shipment, educating the public about recycling procedures and hazardous material disposal, training personnel for vehicle processing and recycling, and ensuring sustainable investments. This project has received $3,800,480 in funding.
EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon expressed enthusiasm about these grants. "This is a major win for the communities of Shoreline and Unalaska," she said. "I am thrilled to see these grants empowering our cities with the resources they need to make a lasting positive impact."
The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It aims to improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure while supporting local recycling programs through education and outreach efforts.
