Vermont Business Magazine The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC) is now open for communities and organizations in New England seeking environmental justice assistance. UConn will partner with the New England Rural Health Association in Barre, Vt., engaging with local communities. TCTAC is one of 18 centers nationwide, supported by a $10 million EPA grant over five years.
UConn’s TCTAC will support overburdened communities in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and federally recognized Tribes. Assistance includes navigating federal grants, enhancing community engagement, and using funds for the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“Communities with the most pressing environmental justice issues have often been sidelined due to funding access barriers,” stated EPA New England’s David W. Cash. “UConn’s center is pivotal in providing access to services that ensure underserved communities and Tribal nations benefit from funds addressing generational disparities.”
“As Connecticut’s flagship university, UConn is dedicated to serving communities by preparing them for present and future environmental challenges,” said Pamir Alpay, UConn Vice President. “With the EPA’s support, we extend our expertise to promote environmental justice in New England.”
UConn will collaborate with several organizations to engage local communities:
– Environmental Protection Network provides regional support for addressing health and environmental injustices, offering assistance, education, and community engagement.
– Groundwork USA affiliates in Bridgeport, Conn., Lawrence, Mass., and Providence, R.I., coordinate outreach to urban communities, tailoring assistance to diverse urban needs.
– New England Rural Health Association in Vermont supports rural outreach with over 600 members, addressing environmental, energy, public transit, broadband, and cell needs.
– University of Massachusetts Boston’s Institute for New England Native American Studies will facilitate outreach to Tribes and Native organizations, providing customized technical assistance.
– University of Southern Maine’s New England Environmental Finance Center offers sustainable funding solutions and technical assistance for climate adaptation and water infrastructure needs.
Requests for UConn’s services can be made via their website, email or phone. UConn will help eligible entities find and apply for funding, manage grants, and plan project implementations.
Background
The establishment of EJ TCTACs addresses calls from communities and leaders for technical assistance to access federal resources. These 18 centers, with over 160 partners, will enable more communities to tap into federal funding from initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Federal Interagency Thriving Communities Network and aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative to deliver 40% of federal investment benefits to disadvantaged communities. The centers aim to help those with environmental justice issues access investments targeting disinvestment, pollution, infrastructure, and clean energy economy.
Learn more about UCONN’s TCTAC.
Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.
Source:
BOSTON (October 30, 2024) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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