More than $400,000 will be up for grabs this year for Chesapeake Bay watershed communities for the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency's Green Streets–Green Jobs-Greeen Towns initiative.
West Virginia communities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed are among those eligible for the program, a release from the EPA states.
"To meet tomorrow's challenges, we need to apply cost-effective solutions for improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the economy of our communities," said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. "Green streets and green infrastructure are investments that create jobs and save money while also providing multiple environmental and quality of life benefits. By helping towns accelerate their local greening efforts, we're moving ahead in creating an America built to last."
The $400,000 in total funding is double what was offered in 2011. The program is open to local governments and non-profit organizations in the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. The projects are for groups interested in pursuing "green streets, green infrastructure, and green jobs as part of their community or watershed planning."
Each project could receive a grant of up to $35,000 for infrastructure planning and design and up to $100,000 for implementation and construction. The request for proposals is available at www.cbtrust.org and the deadline for application is March 9.
"Many small to mid-sized communities around the Chesapeake Bay watershed are looking for ways to boost local economies while also protecting water resources and expand greening efforts," said Allen Hance, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. "Building green streets and urban green infrastructure projects marry three important issues that these towns face: jobs, livability, and the environment."
A webinar titled "Tools for Greening Chesapeake Bay Communities" will be available Feb. 15 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
"We have seen demand for green infrastructure funding accelerate as more and more jurisdictions understand the connection between green development and economic improvement," said John R. Griffin, secretary of Maryland's Department of Natural Resources. "These projects will stimulate the green jobs market and enable families to work where they live and play while also empowering communities to gain better access to restoration resources that support Chesapeake Bay protection."
To register for the webinar and visit: http://mp118885.cdn.mediaplatform.com/118885/ml/mp/4000/5345/5417/12575/Lobby/default.htm
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