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EPA SEEKS ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GRANT PROPOSALS, ANNOUNCES GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP IN WORCESTER

Release Date: 01/28/1998
Contact Information: Leo Kay, Press Office, (617) 918-4154

BOSTON - The New England office of the Environmental Protection Agency called today for community groups and tribal governments to put together proposals for 1998 environmental justice grant projects.

For those unfamiliar with the federal grant application process, the EPA will hold a grant-writing workshop Feb. 18 at the Worcester Public Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The application deadline for the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program is March 6. The deadline for the Environmental Justice Through Pollution Prevention Grant Program is April 20.

In addition, a conference call is scheduled for Feb. 27 from 10 a.m.-11a.m. that will provide an additional opportunity to address questions or concerns relating to the grant application process. The conference call-in number is 1-800-360-0565.

The grant programs provide financial assistance to community based grassroots organizations, churches or other non-profit groups and tribal governments that are working on projects to address environmental justice issues. Environmental justice involves the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.

The EPA has made environmental justice a priority, awarding millions of dollars annually to community groups working on issues ranging from lead paint in older housing to revitalizing vacant lots in cities and towns throughout the country.

This year, the EPA's New England office has approximately $250,000 in environmental justice funds for the small grants program -- $50,000 of which is available for Superfund projects only -- and $350,000-$400,000 for the pollution prevention program.

If you need copies of the request for proposal, or need additional information about the workshop, contact Rhona Julien at (617) 565-9454.