The Materials Management Infrastructure Grant Program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and aims to provide funding for solid waste infrastructure projects in Connecticut municipalities and regions. The program is part of a broader initiative to enhance waste management practices and promote sustainable materials management within the state. A total of $15 million has been authorized for this grant program, which will be distributed over two grant rounds. The specific size and scope of the grants will depend on the number and type of funding requests received during the first round.
The primary purpose of the Materials Management Infrastructure Grant Program is to support waste reduction and diversion efforts in Connecticut. Eligible proposals may include projects that enhance separation, sorting, and disposal infrastructure, as well as composting and anaerobic digestion initiatives. The overarching goal is to improve the diversion of municipal solid waste (MSW) to recycling and to regain self-sufficiency in managing MSW disposal within Connecticut. Proposals that incorporate infrastructure components supporting Unit-Based Pricing programs or food scrap collection initiatives are particularly encouraged, as these can significantly reduce the volume of waste requiring disposal.
Eligible applicants for the MMI Grant must be Connecticut municipalities, groups of municipalities, or regional entities such as councils of government or resource recovery authorities. While it is encouraged for applicants to join the Connecticut Coalition for Sustainable Materials Management (CCSMM) and participate in Sustainable CT, these actions are not mandatory. It is important to note that an applicant's environmental compliance history may affect their eligibility, and DEEP may apply specific standards and processes in this evaluation.
Proposals that qualify for funding should focus on projects that support waste reduction and diversion. Examples of eligible projects include infrastructure for sorting and de-bagging food scraps, de-packaging for composting, in-vessel composting equipment for various housing types, and pilot projects for bear-proof food scrap collection systems. Additionally, the purchase of real property for new or expanded waste management infrastructure is also eligible for funding.
The submission requirements for the grant are not explicitly detailed in the provided information. However, applicants should prepare to address specific application questions that may be outlined in the official grant documentation. Evaluation criteria will likely include the potential impact of the proposed project on waste reduction and diversion, as well as the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed infrastructure.
The deadline for submitting applications for the Materials Management Infrastructure Grant Program is December 6, 2024. As the program is currently in a forecasted status, interested applicants should stay informed about any updates or changes to the application process. For further details and to access the application, applicants can visit the DEEP website.
