[StBernard] News Release (Region 6): Communities to get $3 million from EPA for projects to cut pollution

[Westley Annis]

Communities to get $3 million from EPA for projects to cut pollution 
Grant applications for CARE program being accepted until March 17, 2008 

(Dallas, Texas - December 20, 2007)  The Environmental Protection Agency and
its Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program plan to award
$3 million in grants to help local communities reduce pollution in 2008. 

City, state and tribal governments, as well as nonprofit organizations and
universities, can submit grant proposals until March 17, 2008.   

CARE is a competitive grant and technical assistance program to support
community-based education and public health protection projects across the
country.  In 2007, EPA Region 6 awarded CARE grants totaling $600,000 to two
communities in Texas and New Mexico.  

Examples of previous projects include conducting outreach to school-age
children and health care providers in Laredo, Texas; working with gas
station owners and auto dismantlers to help reduce air and water pollution
in Bernalillo County, N.M. and addressing environmental priorities in areas
recovering from Hurricane Katrina in St. Bernard Parish, La. 

EPA anticipates awarding CARE cooperative agreements in two levels.  Level I
cooperative agreements 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 which 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.  

Interested applicants can find more information on the CARE program and how
to apply for grants at http://www.epa.gov/care/ <http://www.epa.gov/care/> .
EPA will also conduct three webcasts, Jan. 18, Feb. 11 and 27, to provide
prospective applicants with additional information on the application
process.   

Register for a webcast session: http://www.cluin.org/studio/seminar.cfm
<http://www.cluin.org/studio/seminar.cfm>  

More about activities in EPA Region 6: http:// www.epa.gov/region6
<http://www.epa.gov/region6>  

EPA audio file: http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/audio.htm#audio122007_care
<http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/audio.htm#audio122007_care>  

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