REAP Applications Due (PA)

The Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program is accepting applications for the 2009-2010 year. REAP allows farmers and businesses to earn tax credits in exchange for "Best Management Practices" (BMPs) on agricultural operations that will enhance farm production and protect natural resources. Program guidelines and application forms are available at the REAP website.

FY2010 Proposal Guidelines for Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup Grants

The FY2010 Proposal Guidelines for Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants have been posted to the brownfields website at: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm

The proposal deadline is October 16, 2009.

These grants may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum).

Opportunities for funding are as follows (See Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 66.818):

Brownfields Assessment Grants: (each funded up to $200,000 over three years; $1,000,000 for Assessment Coalitions) provide funding to inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct planning (including cleanup planning) and community involvement related to brownfield sites;

Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grants: (each funded up to $1,000,000 over five years) provide funding to capitalize a revolving fund and to make loans and provide subgrants to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites;

Brownfields Cleanup Grants: (each funded up to $200,000 over three years) provide funding for a grant recipient to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites that are owned by the grant recipient.

Please note there are two significant changes to the Proposal Guidelines for Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants in FY2010:
(1) Applicants applying for a cleanup grant must own the site that is the subject of their proposal at time of proposal submission;

(2) Applicants who are currently recipients of a Brownfields RLF cooperative agreement, whether awarded under CERCLA 104(k) or CERCLA 104(d) are ineligible to apply in the FY2010 competition. If you are an existing RLF cooperative agreement recipient you may be eligible to apply for RLF supplemental funding in early 2010.

EPA encourages applicants to read the guidelines carefully before applying.

PA: FEDERAL TAX REFUND APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania businesses pursuing renewable energy projects that qualify for federal tax credits are encouraged to apply for a direct refund from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Treasury announced the plan to support the development of approximately 5,000 renewable energy production facilities. Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger told Pennsylvania businesses that the program will supply immediate cash payments in lieu of future tax credits. “Companies want to develop renewable energy projects, but may lack the necessary funding. The cash payments will make funds available that can be used immediately to invest in such projects, which will create jobs and help stabilize and grow Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Secretary Hanger. “Pennsylvania has a number of programs designed to encourage and assist green energy production, including a tax credit program for renewable energy production. The federal program is yet another tool that can be used as a potential source of capital that can help move stalled projects forward and drive us down the road toward energy independence.” As much as $3 billion in funding for the immediate federal tax credit program is being made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. A company that creates and places in service a renewable energy facility beginning Jan. 1, 2009 can receive an immediate cash payment to cover a portion of the project’s cost. Previously a company would receive a tax credit. This new program would generate an immediate cash payment to cover the eligible costs in lieu of future tax credits. Companies interested in applying for the federal refund program can visit https://treas1603.nrel.gov/. To learn more about how the federal economic recovery program will benefit Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.

Department of the Interior: Recovery Act - Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program

This program provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners interested in restoring, enhancing, and managing fish and wildlife habitats on their own lands.

More info here.

National Science Foundation: Environmental Sustainability

This program provides funding for engineering research that supports human well-being and that is also compatible with sustaining natural (environmental) systems.

Grants will be given in four areas, including:

Ecological Engineering topics should focus on the engineering aspects of restoring ecological function to natural systems. Engineering research in enhancement of natural capital to foster sustainable development is encouraged. Many communities are involved in stream restoration, revitalization of urban rivers, and rehabilitation of wetlands that require engineering input. What is the fundamental engineering knowledge that is necessary for ecological engineering to function sustainability?

More info here.

EPA Provides Money for Clean Water, Drinking Water Projects

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides significant funding for states to finance high priority infrastructure projects needed to ensure clean water and safe drinking water. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, received $4 billion, including funds for Water Quality Management Planning Grants. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program received $2 billion. EPA is making Recovery Act grants to states and Puerto Rico to capitalize their State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs, from which assistance is provided to finance eligible high priority water infrastructure projects. The states will set priorities based on public health and environmental factors, in addition to readiness to proceed to construction, and identify which projects will receive funding. States must provide at least 20% of their grants for green projects, including green infrastructure, energy or water efficiency, and environmentally innovative activities. Last week, EPA and the Department of Health and Human Service's announced $90 million in Recovery Act funds 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. For more information, click here, http://www.epa.gov/water/eparecovery/

Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People

The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) focuses its efforts on the empowerment of economically poor and disadvantaged people seeking to change the structures that perpetuate their condition. SDOP currently supports groups in the United States who are oppressed by poverty and social systems and want to take charge of their own lives. Funded projects must be presented, owned, and controlled by the groups of people who will directly benefit from them and must address long-term corrections of the conditions that keep people bound by poverty and oppression. Requests may be submitted throughout the year. Visit the SDOP website to review the funding guidelines and download the application form.

More info here.