Environmental Justice Grants to Small Community Groups (66.604)

 

Program

66.604 Environmental Justice Grants to Small Community Groups

 

Federal Agency

Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Office: Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance

 

Authorization

Solid Waste Disposal Act, Section 8001(a); Clean Air Act, Section 103(b)(3); Clean Water Act, Section 104(b)(3); Toxic Substances Control Act, Section 10(a); Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, Section 203; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, Section 20(a); Safe Drinking Water Act, Section 1442(b)(3).

 

Program Number

66.604

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

The primary purposes of proposed projects should be to develop a comprehensive understanding of environmental and public health issues, identify ways to address these issues at the local level, and educate and empower the community. The long-term goals of the program are to help build the capacity of the affected community and create self-sustaining, community-based partnerships that will continue to improve local environments in the future. Funding Priority - Fiscal Year 2009: This program is not being funded in FY 2009. Funding Priority - Fiscal Year 2010: An estimated $1,500,000 will be used to support non-profit organizations with activities that address environmental justice and climate change concerns, including but not limited to: (1) reducing asthma attacks; (2) reducing exposure to air toxics; (3) increasing compliance with regulations; (4) reducing the incidence of elevated blood lead levels; (5) creating green jobs; (6) energy efficiencies; (7) reducing carbon emissions and (8)green business.

 

Types of Assistance

PROJECT GRANTS

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

Grants and cooperative agreements are available to support recipients' allowable direct costs incident to approved surveys, studies, and investigations plus allowable direct costs in accordance with established EPA policies and procedures. Assistance agreement awards under this program may involve or relate to geospatial information. Further information regarding geospatial information may be obtained by viewing the following website: http://geodata.epa.gov. The recipient cannot use these funds for the following activities under this program: litigation against the Federal government or any other government entity; construction; lobbying; matching funds for other Federal grants; travel for Federal employees; and human health studies (taking blood or other information from humans).

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

For certain competitive funding opportunities under this CFDA description, the Agency may limit eligibility to compete to a number or subset of eligible applicants consistent with the Agency's Assistance Agreement Competition Policy. An eligible applicant MUST BE: (1) a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization as designated by the Internal Revenue Service;(2) a non-profit organization, recognized by the state, territory, commonwealth, or tribe in which it is located;(3) a city, township, county government; OR (4) a Native American tribal government (Federally recognized)(AND)(5) located within the same state, territory, commonwealth, or tribe that the proposed project will be located. In addition, an eligible applicant must be able to demonstrate that it has worked directly with, or provided services to, the affected community. An "affected community" for the purposes of this assistance agreement program, is a community that is disproportionately impacted by environmental harms and risks and has a local environmental and public health issue that is identified in the proposal. The following entities are INELIGIBLE: colleges and universities; hospitals; state governments; quasi-governmental entities (e.g., water districts, utilities)*; national, multi-state, or state-wide organizations with chapters; and non-profit organizations that engage in lobbying activities as defined in Section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. Generally, a quasi-governmental entity is one that: (1) has a close association with the government agency, but is not considered a part of the government agency; (2) was created by the government agency, but is exempt from certain legal and administrative requirements imposed on government agencies; or (3) was not created by the government agency but performs a public purpose and is significantly supported financially by the government agency.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Non-Profit organizations and local government organizations as described in 081 above.

Credentials/Documentation

Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-122 for non-profit organizations and OMB Circular A-102 for local governments. Applicants may be requested to demonstrate they have appropriate background, academic training, experience in the field, and necessary equipment to carry out projects. EPA may ask applicants or principle investigators to provide curriculum vitae and relevant publications. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Regarding pre-application/pre-proposal assistance with respect to competitive funding opportunities under this program description, EPA will generally specify the nature of the pre-application/pre-proposal assistance, if any, that will be available to applicants in the competitive announcement. For additional information, contact the individual(s) listed as "Information Contacts" or see Appendix IV of the Catalog. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure

OMB Circular No. A-102 applies to this program. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 and A-110 must be used for this program. EPA requires final applications to be made on Standard Form 424. Application kits should be requested from and submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Environmental Justice, Mail Code 2201A, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20460 or the appropriate EPA Regional Office identified under Information Contacts. Detailed information and assistance including an application may also be found at http://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/grants/index.html. For grant awards, Requests for Applications will specify application procedures. Applicants may be able to use http://www.grants.gov to electronically apply for certain grant opportunities under this CFDA.

Award Procedure

For competitive awards, EPA will review and evaluate applications, proposals, and/or submissions in accordance with the terms, conditions, and criteria stated in the competitive announcement. Competitions will be conducted in accordance with EPA policies/regulations for competing assistance agreements.

Deadlines

Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

About 150 days.

Appeals

Assistance agreement competition-related disputes will be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures published in 70 FR (Federal Register) 3629, 3630 (January 26, 2005). Copies of these procedures may also be requested by contacting the individual(s) listed as "Information Contacts." Disputes relating to matters other than the competitive selection of recipients will be resolved under 40 CFR 30.63 or 40 CFR 31.70, as applicable.

Renewals

None. A standard grant application should be prepared and submitted as a new grant, which will be reviewed in the same manner as the original application and will compete for available funds. Generally, EPA incrementally funds grants and cooperative agreements for training, research, surveys, studies, and investigations. Approval of subsequent funding increments is dependent on satisfactory project progress, continued relevance of the project to EPA's priorities, and availability of funds.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

This program has no statutory formula.

This program has no matching requirements.

This program does not have MOE requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

The project grant will be awarded for a 1 year project period. Activities must be completed within the timeframe of the project's budget period and all grants will be fully funded at the time of award. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: Other.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

EPA includes reporting requirements for grants and cooperative agreements in the terms and conditions of the agreements. Agreements may require interim and final progress reports and financial reports. Reporting requirements are also identified in the Grant Regulations Part 30 and Part 31. Program reports are required. No cash reports are required. Progress reports are required. No expenditure reports are required. Performance monitoring is required under this program.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. Grants and cooperative agreements are subject to inspections and audits by the Comptroller General of the United States, the EPA Office of Inspector General, other EPA staff, or any authorized representative of the Federal government. Reviews by the EPA Project Officer and the Grants Specialist may occur each year. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," non-federal entities that expend $500,000 or more in a year in Federal awards shall have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Non-federal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in OMB Circular No. A-133.

Records

Financial records, including all documents to support entries on accounting records and to substantiate changes to each assistance agreement must be kept available to personnel authorized to examine EPA assistance accounts. All records must be maintained until the expiration of three years from the date of submission of the Financial Status Report. If questions still remain, such as those raised as the result of an audit, related records should be retained until the matter is completely resolved.

 

Program Accomplishments

Fiscal Year 2008: In FY 2008, 120 applications were received and it is anticipated that approximately 40 awards will be granted. Fiscal Year 2009: No Current Data Available Fiscal Year 2010: No Current Data Available

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

68-0108-0-1-304.

Obligations

(Project Grants) FY 08 $0; FY 09 est $800,000; FY 10 est $1,500,000

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$20,000 to $50,000/fiscal year; FY 08 average $20,000.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

40 CFR Part 30.

 

Related Programs

66.309 Surveys, Studies, Investigations and Special Purpose Activities Relating to Environmental Justice

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

See Regional Agency Offices. Region l Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont: Primary Contact: Kwabena Kyei-Aboagye (617) 918-1609, Kyei-Aboagye.Kwabena@epa.gov, USEPA Region 1 (RAA), One Congress Street - Suite 1100, Boston, MA 02203-0001; Secondary Contact: Sires Rivers (617) 918-1343, rivers.sires@epa.gov. Region 2 New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands: Primary Contact: Terry Wesley (212) 637-5027, wesley.terry@epa.gov, USEPA Region 2, 290 Broadway, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10007; Secondary: Tasha Frazier (212) 637-3861, frazier.tasha@epa.gov. Region 3 Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia: Primary Contact: Reginald Harris (215) 814-2988, harris.reggie@epa.gov, USEPA Region 3 (3DA00), 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029. Region 4 Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee: Primary Contact: Elvie Barlow (404)562-9650, barlow.elvie@epa.gov, USEPA Region 4 Main Office (404) 562-8407, 61 Forsyth Street, Atlanta, GA 30303-8960; Secondary: Ella Mclendon (404) 562- 8316, mclendon.ella@epa.gov. Region 5 Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin: Primary Contact: Margaret Millard (312) 353-1440, millard.margaret@epa.gov, USEPA Region 5 (DM7J), 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604-3507. Region 6 Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas: Primary Contact: Shirley Quinones (214) 665-2713, quinones.shirley@epa.gov, USEPA Region 6, Fountain Place, 13th Floor, 1445 Ross Avenue (RA-D), Dallas, Texas 75202-2733; Secondary Contact: Nelda Perez (214) 665-2209, perez.nelda@epa.gov. Region 7 Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska: Primary Contact: Althea Moses (913) 551-7649, moses.althea@epa.gov, USEPA Region 7, 901 North 5th Street (RGAD/ECO), Kansas City, KS 66101. Region 8 Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming: Primary Contact: Nancy Reish (303) 312-6040, reish.nancy@epa.gov, USEPA Region 8 (8ENF-EJ), 999 18th Street, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80202-2466; Secondary: Jean Belille (303) 312-6556 belille.jean@epa.gov. Region 9 Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam: Primary Contact: Karen Henry (415) 972-3844, henry.karen@epa.gov, USEPA Region 9 CMD-1, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Region 10 Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington: Primary Contact: Running Grass (206) 553-2899, grass.running@epa.gov, USEPA Region 10 (OMP-143), 1200 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101.

Headquarters Office

Sheila Lewis Office of Environmental Justice, (2201A)
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, District of Columbia 20460 Email: lewis.sheila@epa.gov Phone: (202) 564-0152

Web Site Address

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/grants/ej_smgrants.html

 

Examples of Funded Projects

Fiscal Year 2008: 1) Training of two environmental youth organizations to identify and categorize contamination levels at key sites along the creek using available site histories and local knowledge. Based on the type and level of contamination, the groups will research and identify best practices for remediation of those sites as well as determine possible liability issues. Students will research policy barriers preventing the transfer of control over the identified sites to partners wishing to create public open space on the site. 2) Development of a health communication model which will provide information about ways to prevent exposure and reduce risk from the harm associated with the organic, chemical and heavy metal compounds/ substances found in fish and seafood from an Estuary System. The goals of the research will be to gather the necessary cultural data to: (1) increase awareness of fish contamination and prevention measures; (2) isolate data gaps in the information about the complex socio-cultural environment of fish consumption among the resident population; (3) develop a collaborative relationship between public health researchers, community advocates, and health care professionals serving the affected communities, and (4) acquire the information needed to foster behavior changes among the vulnerable populations at risk from potential exposure(s); 5) Creation of a one-hour documentary and two 20-minute documentaries on the environmental concerns associated with three copper mines including the history of the mines and the combined work of citizens and the EPA to clean up the mines; 6) Construction of a safe, affordable off-ground garden structure and share its designs and curriculum with local educators and community members wanting safe alternatives to deal with environmental and public health issues at the site. Fiscal Year 2009: No Current Data Available Fiscal Year 2010: No Current Data Available

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

The evaluation and selection criteria for competitive awards under this CFDA description will be described in the competitive announcement.