Attend a webcast on MAY 14, 2009, 2-4 PM EST to learn how to access State Revolving Fund Recovery Act funding for green and innovative projects. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) programs would like to invite you to a webcast introducing and explaining the Green Project Reserve for CWSRF Recovery Act funding. To learn more about this webcast, or to register and attend, please visit the following website: https://www.eventbuilder.com/event_desc.asp?p_event=e7f4g7n2 Connections are limited, so if multiple individuals at your organization are interested in participating, please consider accessing the webcast from the same computer.
Information and Resources on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus – 2009)
by Jeanne Christie, Executive Director, Association of State Wetland Managers – March 2009 The stimulus bill was signed last week, but the federal agencies in many cases have been working for months to get ready to spend a great deal of money in a very short period of time. Some agencies such as the Federal Highways Administration posted information about spending stimulus monies even before the bill was signed. Agencies are rapidly finalizing and posting additional details on the criteria that will be used to fund “shovel ready” projects. ASWM has assembled information that identifies opportunities and challenges with respect to funding projects that will have an impact on wetlands and other water resources. This includes funding that can be used for wetland and aquatic restoration as well as projects that will require environmental review and permitting.
http://www.aswm.org/fwp/stimulus/stimulus_bill_022709.pdf
(From the Environmental Council of States (ECOS) Ecoswire February 13) The final stimulus bill, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, includes $4 billion for Clean Water State Revolving Fund projects and $2 billion for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund projects.
Projects must be on a state Intended Use Plan (IUP) through the appropriate state revolving fund (Clean Water or Drinking Water) to be eligible for funding. Many states have a long list of existing projects for important infrastructure including treatment plants, sewer lines, etc. that are already on the IUP.
The bill also includes the following provisions:
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Waives the mandatory 20 percent matching requirement for both funds.
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Requires that not less than 50 percent of the capitalization grants be used to provide assistance for additional subsidization in the form of forgiveness of principal, negative interest loans, or grants or any combination of these.
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Allows the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator to reallocate SRF monies where projects are not under contract or construction within 12 months.
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Requires not less than 20 percent of each revolving fund to be available for projects to address green infrastructure, water and/or energy efficiency, innovative water quality improvements, decentralized wastewater treatment, stormwater runoff mitigation, and water conservation.
Some states may be challenged to identify eligible green infrastructure projects, given the short time frame to submit state lists to EPA and the requirement that projects be ready-to-go. States now can review a list compiled by American Rivers and its partners that includes 253 green infrastructure projects in 33 states and the District of Columbia that appear ready to begin construction.
An excel spreadsheet of green infrastructure projects by state can be found on their website in the last bullet under “what you need to do” on this page.
$27.5 billion as supplemental formula grants (FHWA)
Available through 09/30/2010
$1.5 billion for discretionary grants program (OST)
Available through 09/30/2011
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) received $29 billion in funding. A summary of the provisions of the stimulus funding directed to the Federal Highway Administration can be found at:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/economicrecovery/summary.htm
The Federal Highway Administration has been working closely with state transportation agencies in anticipation of passage of the stimulus package. They have posted information about the stimulus including recommendations from FHWA on how to expedite the process to get projects implemented http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/economicrecovery/expedite.htm with questions and answers at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/economicrecovery/index.htm
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program was allocated $290 million, of which $145 million is to be used for purchasing and restoring floodplain easements. The NRCS’ Watershed Rehabilitation program was provided $50 million, which can be used for dam removal or rehabilitation. These programs fall under the Emergency Watershed Program. For more information, go to: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/recovery/ More information about these programs is available on the NRCS website at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ under Water Resource Programs.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The U.S. Army Civil Works program includes funding for a number of navigation and other civil works projects. There will be traditional levee raising and other hard construction flood control projects. Cost share funding has been waived for inland waterways construction, but only for stimulus funding. Green projects can be funded by the Corps using stimulus funding under Section 1135 and Section 206.
Summary of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Provisions American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Special thanks to Melissa Samet from American Rivers for providing this.)
Overview: Provides funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) projects with some limitations. Funding is to be directed to project elements or activities that can be completed with the stimulus funding (and any existing funding within the appropriate account).
Total Funding: $4.6 billion to the Corps as follows:
$25 million for investigations
$2 billion for construction, general, with not less than $200 million for “water related environmental infrastructure assistance”
$375 million to projects under the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) program
$2.075 billion to operations and maintenance
$25 million to the regulatory program
$100 million to the formerly utilized sites remedial action program (FUSRAP)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced today that it is seeking proposals for coastal habitat restoration projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in an unprecedented effort to jumpstart the economy. The effort is designed to create resilient and healthy American communities by generating and saving jobs, employing several thousand people, and restoring valuable coastal and marine habitat.
NOAA is formally seeking proposals for a variety of habitat restoration projects - including wetlands restoration, dam removals, shellfish restoration, and coral reef restoration. To ensure relevance, readiness and accountability to the American public, the 30-day solicitation requires that projects be "shovel-ready." Proposals are due by April 6, 2009. For more information about this federal funding opportunity, please visit: http://www.habitat.noaa.gov/recovery.
Please look for more information in the coming weeks as NOAA rolls out its implementation plan. If you have any questions, please contact us at RC.Newsletter@noaa.gov or 301-713-0174.
NOAA received significant funding to address a backlog of research, restoration, navigation, conservation and management activities.
STIMULUS Bill Text from NOAA:
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
For an additional amount for “Operations, Research, and Facilities”, $230,000,000
PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION
For an additional amount for “Procurement, Acquisition and Construction”, $600,000,000.
Joint House-Senate Conference report:
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
The conference agreement includes $230,000,000 for NOAA operations, research, and facilities to address a backlog of research, restoration, navigation, conservation and management activities.
PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION
The conference agreement includes $600,000,000 for construction and repair of NOAA facilities, ships and equipment, to improve weather forecasting and to support satellite development. Of the amounts provided, $170,000,000 shall address critical gaps in climate modeling and establish climate data records for continuing research into the cause, effects and ways to mitigate climate change.
Department of Interior
The Bureau of Reclamation received $1 billion under the ARRA. The funding is be provided at the discretion of the agency and according to these priorities: (a) programs, projects, or activities that can be obligated/executed quickly; (b) Programs, projects, or activities that will result in high, immediate employment. $126 million was set aside for Water Reclamation and Reuse Program, $60 million for the Rural Water projects and separate money for the Central Utah and California Bay-Delta programs.
$280 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will improve energy efficiency and renewable use at refuges, resulting in the "greening" of facilities throughout the nation. Funding also will be used to restore wetlands, riparian habitat, endangered species habitat, and other important landscapes. FWS also will restore facilities that are key to the management and restoration of wildlife and fisheries.
On February 18, Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag issued initial guidance to agencies for administering stimulus funds, providing information and requirements on financial reporting, risk management and contracting. Included in the guidelines is the requirement to provide spending and performance data to the "Recovery.gov" website, allowing citizens to view where the stimulus funds have been used. To view the initial guidance: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/assets/memoranda_fy2009/m09-10.pdf
Recent Media Coverage of Stimulus Bill & Links to the ARRA
Corps fast tracks stimulus spending
By Mary Landers – Savannah Morning News – February 16, 2010
To encourage stimulus projects, the Savannah District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has streamlined the permitting process for publicly funded projects such as bridges, roads and schools that impact streams and wetlands. The special permits allow local governments to move more efficiently to begin and complete public projects if they meet the basic goals of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the stimulus package, said Russ Kaiser, chief of the regulatory division. For full story, go to: http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-02-16/corps-fast-tracks-stimulus-spending
$90 Million in Recovery Act Funds to Bolster Water Services in Indian Country and Create Jobs
Contact Enesta Jones – EPA News Release – July 8, 2009
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s (HHS) Indian Health Service (IHS) today announced $90 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for improved access to vital drinking water and wastewater services in the American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The funds will be invested in ‘shovel ready’ infrastructure projects designed to better protect human and environmental health in Indian Country and to create jobs. “This investment is win-win. Addressing long-standing water issues in tribal communities is also going to bring in new jobs and new opportunities – helping them get through the economic downturn and build a lasting foundation for prosperity,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “EPA is committed to working with our tribal partners on solutions that benefit our environment, our health, and our economy.” For full story, go to: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/d67f
8ff5e8f96881852575ed00593665!OpenDocument
NOAA Announces $167 million in Recovery Act Funding
CSO Weekly Report – July 2009
On June 30, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced 50 habitat restorations projects that will restore damaged wetlands, shellfish beds, coral reefs and reopen fish passages that boost the health and resiliency of the nation's coastal and Great Lakes communities. The funding will be allocated from the $167 million provided to NOAA for marine and coastal habitat restoration under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The 50 projects are located in 22 states and two territories, and will restore more than 8,900 acres of habitat and remove obsolete and unsafe dams that will open more than 700 stream miles where fish migrate and spawn. The projects will also remove more than 850 metric tons of debris, rebuild oyster and other shellfish habitat, and reduce threats to 11,750 acres of coral reefs. To read about the projects: http://www.noaa.gov/recovery/.
WI: NOAA: Ozaukee County Awarded $4.7 Million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding for Fish Passage in the Milwaukee River Watershed
Contact: Andrew Struck (Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department) – July 1, 2009
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced yesterday that Ozaukee County has been awarded $4.7 million in Recovery Act funding for its "Fish Passage in the Milwaukee River Watershed" (FPMRW) project. The FPMRW project involves modifying or removing stream obstructions and barriers to link naturally occurring high quality habitats in the Milwaukee River Watershed. The project's goal is to directly connect and allow fish to swim between 119,000 acres and 158 stream miles of the Milwaukee River Watershed, the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern, and Lake Michigan. NOAA's press release regarding the successful projects can be found at: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090630_restoration.html
EPA Waives ARRA ‘Buy American’ Requirement for Certain Water Projects
On June 2, U.S. EPA granted two more nationwide waivers of the Buy American requirements for Clean or Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) projects using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds. One waiver is for projects that had already begun the process of soliciting bids on or after October 1, 2008 and prior to the February 17, 2009 enactment of ARRA. The other waiver is for de minimis imported components. This action permits the use of non-domestic iron, steel, and manufactured goods when they occur in de minimis incidental components of such projects funded by ARRA that may otherwise be prohibited under section 1605(a).
In April, EPA had issued a nationwide waiver of the Buy American requirements for certain water projects refinanced through the SRFs. The scope of that waiver is limited to projects that incurred debt between October 1, 2008 and February 17, 2009 and that are refinanced through the SRFs using ARRA funds. [Garrigan]
Vilsack Announces Floodplain Easement Selections Through Recovery Act Funding
EPA announces more than $107 million in Recovery Act funds for water infrastructure projects in Minnesota to boost economy, create jobs and protect public health
CHICAGO (May 27, 2009) - In a move that stands to create jobs, boost local economies, improve aging drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and protect human health and the environment for people in the State of Minnesota, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded more than $107 million to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority. This new infusion of money provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will help the state and local governments finance many of the overdue improvements to water projects that are essential to protecting public health and the environment across the state.
"EPA is pleased to provide more than $107 million in Recovery Act funds for much needed improvements to Minnesota's aging drinking water and waste water infrastructure, including sewer systems," said Bharat Mathur, Acting Regional Administrator. "This money will protect human health and improve water quality while helping to create good jobs in the state."
The Recovery Act funds will go to the state's Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds programs.
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program will receive $72,031,000. It provides low-interest loans for water quality protection projects for wastewater treatment, non-point source pollution control, and watershed management. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program will receive $35,110,000. It provides low-interest loans for drinking water systems to finance infrastructure improvements. The program also emphasizes providing funds to small and disadvantaged communities and to programs that encourage pollution prevention as a tool for ensuring safe drinking water.
An unprecedented $6 billion dollars will be awarded to fund water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the country under the Recovery Act in the form of low-interest loans, principal forgiveness and grants. At least 20 percent of the funds provided under the Recovery Act are to be used for green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements and other environmentally innovative projects.
President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on February 17, 2009, and has directed that the Recovery Act be implemented with unprecedented transparency and accountability. To that end, the American people can see how every dollar is being invested at Recovery.gov.
Information on EPA's implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 visit
http://www.epa.gov/recovery
EPA announces almost $257 million in Recovery Act funds for water infrastructure projects in Illinois to boost economy, create jobs and protect public health
CHICAGO (May 27, 2009) - In a move that stands to create jobs, boost local economies, improve aging drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and protect human health and the environment for people in the State of Illinois, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded almost $257 million to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. This new infusion of money provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will help the state and local governments finance many of the overdue improvements to water projects that are essential to protecting public health and the environment across the state.
"EPA is pleased to provide almost $257 million in Recovery Act funds for much needed improvements to Illinois' aging drinking water and waste water infrastructure, including sewer systems," said Bharat Mathur, Acting Regional Administrator. "This money will protect human health and improve water quality while helping to create good jobs in the state."
The Recovery Act funds will go to the state's Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds programs.
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program will receive $177,243,100. It provides low-interest loans for water quality protection projects for wastewater treatment, non-point source pollution control, and watershed management. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program will receive $79,538,000. It provides low-interest loans for drinking water systems to finance infrastructure improvements. The program also emphasizes providing funds to small and disadvantaged communities and to programs that encourage pollution prevention as a tool for ensuring safe drinking water.
An unprecedented $6 billion dollars will be awarded to fund water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the country under the Recovery Act in the form of low-interest loans, principal forgiveness and grants. At least 20 percent of the funds provided under the Recovery Act are to be used for green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements and other environmentally innovative projects.
President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on February 17, 2009, and has directed that the Recovery Act be implemented with unprecedented transparency and accountability. To that end, the American people can see how every dollar is being invested at Recovery.gov.
Information on EPA's implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 visit
http://www.epa.gov/recovery
Senate Letter Supports Increased Funding for Water Infrastructure
Northeast–Midwest Institute Weekly Update – May 4, 2009
Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Kit Bond (R-MO) are seeking co-signers on a letter requesting that the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies increase funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF). Congress made a large investment in the State Revolving Funds in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including $4 billion for the CWSRF and $2 billion for the DWSRF. This request — $2.4 billion for the CWSRF and $1.5 billion for the DWSRF — builds upon that investment and will help narrow the large gap between water infrastructure needs and spending. Contact Chris Hickling chris_hickling@reed.senate.gov or (202/224-0606) at the Northeast-Midwest Senate Coalition.
ID: Stimulus cash headed to Blaine ranches
By Gregory Foley – Idaho Mountain Express – April 28, 2009
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to direct $430,000 toward restoring and enhancing more than 1,000 acres of bird and wildlife habitat on the Crystal Creek and Spring Creek ranches in southern Blaine County. For full story, go to: http://www.mtexpress.com/vu_breaking_story.php?bid=7111
CA: $17 million in stimulus cash to finish major wetlands restoration
By Jeff Overley – Orange County Register – April 28, 2009 After slogging along for years with barely enough cash to keep work going, a major restoration of Upper Newport Bay has won more than $17 million in federal stimulus funding, enough to finish the project and preserve the estuary for decades, officials said today. For full story, go to: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/bay-newport-million-2379735-dredging-harbor
Stimulus Money and Sprawl
By Rebecca Williams – The Environment Report – April 13, 2009 Urban planners are watching to see how federal stimulus money is being spent. Rebecca Williams reports it could mean redeveloping city centers or urban sprawl: There's 8 billion dollars for mass transit in cities. But there's 28 billion dollars for roads and bridges everywhere. Jason Jordan is with the American Planning Association. He says money for roads and bridge projects could pretty easily end up encouraging people to move farther out from the city. But on the other hand Jordan says cities will be getting money for things like mass transit, high speed rail and fixing up old buildings and he thinks that money will at least start the process of rebuilding. For full story, go to: http://environmentreport.org/transcript.php3?story_id=4441
American Rivers Calls on Georgia to Invest Stimulus Dollars Wisely to Protect Clean Water, Public Health
Contacts: Betsy Otto – American Rivers Press Release – March 18, 2009 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has provided Georgia with an extraordinary opportunity to invest in clean water, public health, and improved water supplies, while creating good jobs. $24 million in dedicated funding for green infrastructure, water, and energy efficiency projects is now available in Georgia, and American Rivers called on state leaders today to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity. "Our water infrastructure is antiquated and crumbling and can’t cope with our drinking water, wastewater, and flood protection needs, and global warming will make the situation worse,” said Otto. “The good news is, investing in green solutions to these water infrastructure problems now will create jobs, stretch our water supplies and save money, and protect public health and safety in Georgia.” “Nature works best,” added Otto, “If Georgia does not embrace this unique and important opportunity to invest in 21st century solutions that benefit our communities, the money may be wasted on outdated and inefficient projects. We urge Georgia communities to submit available green infrastructure projects for funding so taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and Georgia’s communities can reap all of the clean water supply, public health, and quality of life benefits.” For the American Rivers newsroom, go to:
http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AR7_Newsroom
Water Subcommittee Approves Major Bill to Invest in Water Infrastructure
By Mary Kerr – House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Press Release – March 4, 2009 The Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment approved by voice vote and reported out legislation today to address the nation’s ever-increasing water infrastructure needs. H.R. 1262, the Water Quality Investment Act of 2009, incorporates provisions from four bills that were approved by the House of Representatives in the 110th Congress but were not taken up by the Senate. It also increases the authorized funding levels for the cleanup of contaminated sediment in the Great Lakes, which was enacted into law in 2008 with funding levels below the House-passed version of the bill. H.R. 1262, which provides a total investment of $18.7 billion over five years, incorporates language from the following bills:
$740 Million Goes to States for Fish and Wildlife Projects
Contact: Joshua Winchell – FWS News Release – February 23, 2009
Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced today more than $740.9 million will be distributed to the fish and wildlife agencies of the 50 states, commonwealths, the District of Columbia, and territories to fund fish and wildlife conservation, boater access to public waters, and hunter and aquatic education. These Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program funds come from excise taxes and import duties on sporting firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, sportfishing equipment, electric outboard motors, and fuel taxes attributable to motorboats and small engines. http://www.fws.gov/news/NewsReleases/showNews.cfm?newsId=
A383A17A-A587-E724-62E293452FE6DF6F
Obama Signs $787 Billion Economic Stimulus Bill
By William Branigin – Washington Post – February 17, 2009
President Obama today signed into law a $787 billion economic stimulus plan that he said begins "the essential work of keeping the American dream alive in our time." […] Before the signing, the president toured a solar panel installation on the museum's roof. For full story, go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/17/AR20090
21700221.html?hpid=topnews
For a direct link to the bill, HR1, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, visit: http://thomas.loc.gov/home/approp/app09.html#h1 If that link does not work, visit: www.thomas.gov and it should be highlighted at the top of the webpage.
Added 6/8/10
Video on Building Green: A Success Story in Philadelphia (June 2010)
EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW) announced the
availability of a new 11-minute video, "Building Green: A Success Story
in Philadelphia," which highlights innovative efforts by green builders
in Philadelphia who are helping protect and restore environmental
quality and beautify the city. By installing cisterns, green roofs,
porous pavers, solar panels, and Energy Star appliances, the builders
are capturing rainwater, reducing stormwater runoff, and saving energy.
In the video, Howard Neukrug, Director of Philadelphia’s Office of
Watersheds, explains the importance of green stormwater infrastructure.
The city is now offering incentives to builders and developers to use
green techniques to help meet clean water and other environmental goals.
The video is available online at www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/video.html
Job Corps Ties Green Training Requirements to NCCER Curricula and Accreditation
Gainesville, Fla.— Effective Oct. 1, 2009, all Job Corps center-operated construction, advanced manufacturing, and automotive training programs are required to implement the Job Corps’ newly green Training Achievement Records (TARs). These TARs incorporate green elements based on NCCER’s “Your Role in the Green Environment” and were validated by a workgroup of industry experts and Job Corps management and construction instructors. To read full press release, go to: http://www.nccer.org/newsReleases.aspx or visit the
NCCER website at http://www.nccer.org/
Green Jobs training opportunities catalog
EPA has compiled a catalog of Green Job training opportunities as related to wet weather management green infrastructure design, installation, operation and maintenance, etc. National and state programs, universities, apprenticeships, and grant programs are included. The catalog is a work in progress and we are looking for input on comparable programs in your region or state. The catalog is available at http://www.epa.gov/greeninfrastructure . Please send submissions to arazan.nancy@epa.gov
EPA Funded Project Gives People Valuable Skills; a Shot at a Good Job
Contact: Beth Totman – EPA News Release – March 23, 2009 George Pavlou, Acting Regional Administrator of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will be joined by STRIVE/East Harlem’s founder Robert Carmona, as a new class of students begins an intensive job training program funded in part by a $200,000 EPA Brownfields job training grant. Through this program, students will be learning invaluable job skills that will help them gain employment in green construction and remediation throughout New York City. There will be a press event on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 10:30am, STRIVE/East Harlem Offices – 240 East 123rd Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues), 3rd floor. NOTE: building’s sign says “Harlem Charter School”(Parking garage located at 122nd Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.)
Reference Guides
Pond/Wetland Management Guidebook – by EPA, Center for Watershed Protection, etc.
EPA just released a new guidebook that describes maintenance and inspection practices for existing wet ponds and wetlands. The guide includes checklists for use during construction and routine maintenance of ponds/wetlands, and also includes a home owner pond inspection checklist. Maintenance profile sheets describe how to address eight different common maintenance issues. The Pond/Wetland Management Guidebook is available at: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/pondmgmtguide.pdf
Industrial Storm Water Pollution Prevention Planning (SWPPP)
EPA has released a guidance on how to develop a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) that meets the requirements of EPA's 2008 MSGP. The version just posted is a prepublication copy. A formatted version (similar to the construction SWPPP Guide released in 2007) will be posted in a few weeks. The Industrial SWPPP Guide is available on the 2008 MSGP website ( www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/msgp ) or directly at: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/industrial_swppp_guide.pdf
Opportunities for Nonprofit Organizations
News from the Foundation Center – Washington, DC – May 1, 2009 MapShot: Best ARRA Funding Resources by State
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is a sweeping effort to bolster the nation's economy, create or save jobs, and address some of our most challenging issues. The Foundation Center has collected the best resources on how nonprofits may be able to access stimulus package funding. Our new map connects you to information about funding and other opportunities in each state. View the map»
April 27, 2009
From The Answer Desk: What Do Nonprofits Need to Know about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus Bill)?
A: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009, will provide more than $787 billion in spending and tax cuts intended to help stimulate the national economy.
The Foundation Center has collected the best resources on how nonprofits may be able to access stimulus package funding and our new MapShot: Best ARRA Funding Resources by State connects you to information about funding and other current opportunities in each state.
The Act includes new or expanded government grant programs to provide funding for assistance to communities or individuals affected by the economic crisis. Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for grants provided by this Act should visit the Grants.gov website for a listing of Recovery Act funding opportunities. For-profit organizations can find recovery procurement and contracting opportunities at FedBizOpps.gov.
In order to provide full accountability and transparency for the distribution of stimulus funds, the Federal government has created the Recovery.gov website. Visitors to the site can read the full text of the Act, view a timeline of administrative deadlines, and find news and updates on funding opportunities from Federal agencies.
Most state governments and Federal agencies have also created their own economic recovery sites. Directories of these official sites can be found at Recovery.gov:
The National Council of Nonprofits has issued a series of special reports on the economic stimulus and recovery, including:
Nonprofit Grant Opportunities - Summarizes the major spending and tax cut provisions of the Act and identifies potential grant opportunities for nonprofits.
Stimulus Grant Tips and Thoughts - Offers grant information, tips, and considerations for nonprofits interested in applying for stimulus funds.
The National Council of Nonprofits also encourages organizations to contact their state nonprofit associations or their state and Congressional representatives for more information on local stimulus funding.
StateRecovery.org - A service of the Council on State Governments, StateRecovery.org is targeted towards officials in state government, but contains useful information on federal assistance, listings of grant opportunities, and a series of reports analyzing the prospective impact of stimulus funding at the state level.
EPA webcast on How to Use Stimulus Funds to Finance Green Water Projects
This webcast originally aired on May 14, 2009. There was a great demand for the webcast, so they will offer it again. For a copy of the webcast or to express interest in being notified when the webcast is offered again, go to: https://www.eventbuilder.com/event_desc.asp?z=e0c2p8&eventid=e7f4g7n2