Closed Landfill Remediation Grant Program

The Closed Landfill Remediation Grant Program is administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), established through House Bill 23-1194 and codified in the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) at Section 30-20-124. This grant program was created to assist eligible local governments in addressing environmental hazards associated with closed solid waste landfills. The program is supported by state funds and governed by rules adopted by the Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission, as detailed in Section 19 of the Colorado Solid Waste Regulations (6 CCR 1007-2, Part 1). An Advisory Committee plays a critical role in the evaluation process, making recommendations to CDPHE based on criteria outlined in the regulations. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to mitigate and remediate environmental issues caused by closed landfills, thereby protecting public health, safety, welfare, and the environment. Eligible projects must be specific to a single closed landfill and focus on activities that can be completed within the fiscal year 2026/2027, which spans July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The anticipated budget for this cycle is $2,000,000, drawn from a broader $15,000,000 fund expected to be available until fiscal year 2033, pending annual state legislative approval. Grants will be awarded on a cost-reimbursement basis only, requiring applicants to front the project costs and request reimbursement monthly. Reimbursement will be contingent on submission and verification of invoices and supporting documentation. While matching funds are not required for this cycle, some cost categories are considered ineligible, including legal fees, aesthetic improvements, administrative overhead not directly tied to remediation efforts, and expenses outside of the contract period. There are exceptions for land acquisition when necessary to address medium or high-risk conditions, with detailed valuation protocols required. Eligible applicants are limited to local governments that own the closed landfill in question. Applicants must adhere to guidelines provided in the Colorado Solid Waste Regulations, particularly Section 19, which outlines eligibility, cost criteria, and reporting requirements. Those who have failed to complete reporting requirements for previous grants are temporarily ineligible. The application must include specific attachments: a cover sheet, application information, a work plan, a budget worksheet, a budget narrative, and a financial risk assessment questionnaire. Applications are due by August 1, 2025. Following submission, CDPHE will conduct an initial review for completeness and eligibility, then refer complete applications to the Advisory Committee. Applicants may also be asked to participate in a mandatory interview and, optionally, a public Advisory Committee meeting. The Department will notify applicants of decisions by approximately October 1, 2025, and contracts are expected to be finalized by June 30, 2026. Applications must be submitted either electronically to Taylor Pierce at taylor.pierce@state.co.us or mailed to CDPHE’s Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division in Denver. Additional resources such as guidance documents, prior award summaries, and a pre-application webinar are available on the Closed Landfill Remediation Grant Program webpage. This grant opportunity is not offered on a rolling basis but is anticipated to recur annually, with the next expected cycle beginning in July 2026.

Submit all forms using the Department's templates; exclude ineligible costs; communicate early to confirm project alignment and budget.