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Federal grants available for transformational emissions reduction projects
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program provides funding to develop and implement ambitious climate action plans that reduce emissions. Under the planning phase of this program, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC) are leading the development of a short-term Priority Climate Action Plan and long-term Comprehensive Climate Action Plan for the Chicago metropolitan statistical area.
Under the program's implementation phase, U.S. EPA is offering grants between $2 million and $500 million for state and local governments to implement emissions reduction measures outlined in the Priority Climate Action Plan.
This presents an exciting opportunity for local governments to access significant federal funding for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Given the scale of climate challenge, U.S. EPA is looking to fund large-scale projects — and encourages applicants form coalitions to work together to enact this transformational change. Applications are due Monday, April 1, 2024, with a notice of intent due Thursday, February 1, 2024.
Do you have project ideas that could bring transformational emissions reduction?
Please fill out the project idea form by Wednesday, December 20, to submit your ideas and get connected with similar efforts to create strong, coordinated applications for the region.
Additionally, please attend a virtual townhall on Monday, December 18, at 2:00 p.m. — hosted by CMAP, MMC, and the Illinois EPA — to learn more about this funding opportunity and how it fits into current climate action planning.
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Salt smart on parking lots and sidewalks
Road salt helps protect pedestrians, bikers, and drivers, but excessive use pollutes our drinking water. Fears of lawsuits and little information on responsible salt practices incentivize municipalities and businesses to use more salt than they need on parking lots and sidewalks.
Recognizing the need for more resources, the Northwest Water Planning Alliance partnered with The Conservation Foundation to develop a best practices manual for parking lots and sidewalks. This fall, they also established a training and certification program — Salt Smart Certified — for contractors, business owners, park districts, municipalities, school districts, and libraries.
Winter deicing workshop for sidewalks and parking lots
The Salt Smart Collaborative is hosting a virtual training session on Friday, December 8. This virtual workshop aims to help municipal and public works staff reduce the amount of salt they use in snow fighting operations and to address National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirements.
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Natural Solutions Tool earns Chicago Innovation Award
The Friends of the Chicago River and Trust for Public Land received a Chicago Innovation Award for the Natural Solutions Tool, a website to help the region use green infrastructure to address community and environmental problems. The tool covers 1,300 square miles and includes nearly 1.5 million parcels in 176 municipalities and 42 subwatersheds in Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Will counties.
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Illinois receives Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
Illinois received nearly $3 million to establish a sub-granting program for local governments to create energy plans and conduct energy audits and retrofits.
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Chicago seeks input on the future of EV infrastructure
The Chicago Department of Transportation is developing a plan to equitably advance EV and e-mobility infrastructure improvements in Chicago. Learn more and answer an online survey on the project website.
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Urban trees and drought management workshop
The Chicago Region Trees Initiative is hosting a workshop for municipal and private industry tree managers on Thursday, December 14. Speakers will discuss critical topic of trees and drought management, and attendees will participate in breakout sessions that foster collaborative discussions and solutions to protect and enhance urban tree ecosystems.
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MWRD conceptual project pre-applications due Friday
Applications are also open for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's (MWRD) Stormwater Management Conceptual Projects Program. To be considered, you must submit pre-application form and schedule a meeting by Friday, December 8.
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State EV charging funds available
The Illinois EPA is offering funding for public EV fast chargers. Each application must include a minimum of two charging station locations, with at least two standalone chargers at each location. Applications are due Friday, December 22.
Illinois also offers EV rebates for residents. The state has already received more rebates than the program can fund this year, so applicants who qualify as low-income per the program guidelines will be prioritized.
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DuPage accepting water quality grant applications
The DuPage County Stormwater Management Planning Committee is accepting grant proposals for the Water Quality Improvement Program. This program awards grants for projects exhibiting a regional water quality benefit, including green infrastructure and ecological restoration projects. The deadline is Friday, January 5, 2024.
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Illinois Coastal Grants Program open
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for the Coastal Grants Program to protect, preserve, and restore the natural and cultural resources along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline. Applications close Friday, January 5, 2024 (extended from the original deadline).
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Urban and Community Forestry Grants available for local governments
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Forest Service are funding projects to enhance urban and community forestry in disadvantaged communities. These Urban and Community Forestry Grants range from $25,000 to $150,000, with no match requirement. Project proposals are due Friday, March 1, 2024.
The Morton Arboretum offers free application assistance for communities applying to this grant program. Contact Colette Copic at grants.crti@mortonarb.org for more information.
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Applications open for U.S. EPA's new Community Change Grants Program
The U.S. EPA is accepting applications for $2 billion in Community Change Grants. This program supports community-driven projects that build capacity for communities to tackle environmental and climate justice challenges, strengthen their climate resilience, and advance clean energy. U.S. EPA also offers technical assistance to eligible entities in disaster-prone and disadvantaged communities to support their pursuit of a Community Change Grant, especially for projects related to climate resilience and long-term natural disaster recovery. Grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until Thursday, November 21, 2024.
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