On May 12, 2014, with the publication of the Request for Proposals (RFP) Notice in the State Register, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has officially announced the opening of the Fiscal Years (FY) 2014-2015 Environmental Assistance (EA) Grant Program for applications.
Approximately $1 million is available for EA grant awards to provide financial assistance for researching, developing, or implementing projects and practices related to all aspects of waste management and prevention including hazardous substances, toxic pollutants, and problem materials. Additionally, market development and education grants are also allowed. The MPCA seeks to encourage environmentally-sustainable practices and approaches to pollution prevention and resource conservation. Eligible applicants, grant award amounts and minimum matching fund requirements will vary by Focus Areas and Preferred Proposals.
Additional information and resources found here: http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/blog/environmental-assistance-grants-program-includes-possibility-100000-grants-greenstep-cities
Focus Area: Climate Change and Extreme Weather grants
Grants are available from MPCA for “Communities Adaptation to Climate Change and Extreme Weather” (among other focus areas) as described athttp://www.pca.state.mn.us/ktqh28 and in today’s State Register at http://www.comm.media.state.mn.us/bookstore/stateregister/38_46.pdf (page 1510)
Applications are due July 16, 2014. The MPCA has approximately $1 million available for grant awards in 9 focus areas, one of which is Focus Area F described below. A minimum of 25% match is required for projects in Focus Area F. Eligible applicants are described below.
To access the detailed RFP, click on http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/view-document.html?gid=3426 and note description of Focus Area F on pages 7 and 8 as copied below.
Note that all questions should be directed to Jeannie Given, Contract Specialist at MPCA at contracts.pca@state.mn.us (with subject line: “CR 7034, EA Question”)
Please feel free to forward this information to those who may be interested – thanks!
Focus Area F
Communities Adapting to Climate Change and Extreme Weather
Due to the continued occurrence of extreme weather events in Minnesota and other effects of a changing climate, the MPCA seeks to assist communities to plan for climate change impacts and improve extreme weather resilience while achieving environmental outcomes. Examples of climate impacts include increased precipitation, higher average temperatures, extended periods of very high or very low precipitation, increased freeze/thaw cycles, extreme heat, more intense storms, and extended range for
invasive species infestations. In addition, climate change can exacerbate the urban heat island effect. Adopted policies and implemented projects will serve as examples for other communities, and result in resilience practices adopted statewide.
Preferred Proposals include:
F1. Implementing projects that both inform and actively engage community members in reducing household potable water consumption and waste. Eligible applicants are Minnesota cities, counties, watershed districts, other public entities, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. The goal of this Focus Area is increased community awareness and action on water conservation and water-waste. (Maximum grant amount of $25,000; minimum 25% match required.) Projects should result in measurable outcomes such as:
• number of individuals reached by education and outreach activities
• number of households participating in water conservation activities
• change in behavior of individuals after exposure to education and outreach
• reductions in water consumption among participating households
F2. Implementing projects that either inform communities and individuals and/or implement practices or policies regarding climate adaptation and extreme weather resilience. Eligible applicants are Minnesota cities, counties, watershed districts, other public entities, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, and educational institutions. (Maximum grant amount of $30,000; minimum 25% match required.) Preferred Proposals include:
- Education and outreach to communities and individuals on climate adaptation and extreme weather resilience. Measurable outcomes would include the number of individuals reached by education and outreach activities and documented change in knowledge or behavior of individuals after exposure to education and outreach.
- Implementation of urban forestry practices and policies for air and water quality improvement, stormwater management, or to address the urban heat island effect. Measurable outcomes would be the implementation of urban forestry practices and policies.
F3. Utilizing community design for climate adaptation and extreme weather resilience. Eligible applicants are Minnesota cities, counties, watershed districts, other public entities, and nonprofit organizations. The goal of this Focus Area is an increase in preparedness for climate adaptation and extreme weather resilience through implementation of community design practices. (Maximum grant amount of $40,000; minimum 25% match required.)
F4. Preparing community climate adaptation plans or vulnerability assessment. Eligible applicants are Minnesota cities, counties, watershed districts, other public entities, and nonprofit organizations. The goal of this Focus Area is the development and comprehensiveness of community climate adaption plans or vulnerability assessments. (Maximum grant amount of $40,000; minimum 25% match required.)
