WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 17, 2008 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making nearly $3 million available in 2009 to reduce pollution at the local level through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program. CARE is a community-based program that builds partnerships to help the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources.
EPA will award CARE cooperative agreements in two levels. Level I awards range from $75,000 to $100,000 and will help establish community-based partnerships to develop local environmental priorities. Level II awards, ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 each, will support communities that have established broad-based partnerships, have identified the priority toxic risks in the community, and are prepared to measure results, implement risk-reduction activities and become self-sustaining.
In 2008, $2.5 million was made available to 18 communities through the CARE program. Examples of projects include addressing land- and air-pollution issues in Somerville, Mass.; reducing toxics and promoting green alternatives in Portland, Ore.; dealing with ground and surface water contamination on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Ethete, Wyo.; controlling storm water run-off in St. John, Virgin Islands; and reducing disparities in asthma and blood-lead levels in Baltimore, Md. Since 2005, the grants have reached 64 communities in 32 states and territories.
Applications for the CARE grants are due March 16, 2009. Eligible applicants include county and local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations and universities. EPA will conduct three conference calls, Feb. 3, 24, and 27 for prospective applicants to ask questions about the application process.
>> Additional information about the CARE program
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