The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced the availability of funding through its CERCLA 128(a) Grant Program, Round 2. This program invites municipalities and non-profit entities in Connecticut to apply for grants aimed at addressing brownfield sites. The funding is made possible through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s CERCLA 128(a) State and Tribal Response Program, which received support under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The total funding pool for this round is $750,000, with individual grants available up to $250,000 for assessment and $250,000 for cleanup activities.
The primary purpose of the grant program is to facilitate environmental assessment and cleanup of polluted properties, particularly those that can be transformed into park spaces, greenways, or other recreational areas. DEEP emphasizes the importance of projects that align with its mission to conserve and protect Connecticut's natural resources and human health. The program specifically encourages applications that will benefit Environmental Justice (EJ) communities, which are defined as areas where residents may face environmental burdens due to factors such as race, income, or national origin.
Eligible applicants for this grant include municipalities, non-profit organizations, and county or state governments. DEEP prioritizes projects that are located in EJ communities, which may include underserved populations such as low-income residents and communities of color. This focus on EJ communities reflects DEEP's commitment to ensuring equitable treatment and involvement in environmental decision-making processes.
The application process requires interested parties to submit proposals that detail their projects and how they align with DEEP’s objectives. There are no minimum grant amounts required, and applicants may submit proposals for multiple projects or sites. The evaluation of applications will consider how well the proposed projects meet the goals of environmental remediation and community enhancement.
The deadline for submitting applications is November 22, 2024. It is important for applicants to prepare their submissions in advance to ensure they meet this timeline. DEEP encourages potential applicants to reach out for more information or clarification regarding the application process by contacting them via email at DEEP.Brownfields@ct.gov.
In summary, the DEEP’s CERCLA 128(a) Grant Program offers significant funding opportunities for municipalities and non-profits in Connecticut to address brownfield sites. The program not only aims to improve environmental conditions but also seeks to enhance community spaces, particularly in areas that have historically faced environmental injustices. Interested applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria and prepare their proposals in accordance with DEEP’s guidelines to maximize their chances of receiving funding.
