North Carolinians may apply for grants up to $500,000 to help fund projects that improve or protect the environment and natural resources.
Through Attorney General Josh Stein’s office, the Environmental Enhancement Grant program released Tuesday its Request for proposals. Letters of intent are due on March 31 and completed proposals are due May 26.
A remote meeting of interest for further information is scheduled at 10 a.m., March 22, 2010. Email [email protected] for more information or to reserve a spot at the meeting.
Stein stated that the Environmental Enhancement Grant program has spent more than $38million in nearly 200 projects that improve North Carolinians’ quality of life and protect our natural resources. These projects are essential for cleaning the air and water we breathe. Many help to address environmental issues that impact disadvantaged communities. These grants are available to anyone who is involved in an environmental project that could be beneficial for our state and its citizens.
The EEG program funds grants of up to $500,000 for three-year projects from non-profit organizations, including academic or government institutions, that improve air, land, and water quality in the state.
Numerous EEG awards were given. Last year’s presentationMany are found along the coast. Jacksonville was awarded $175,000 for the expansion of 12 New River Estuary Oyster Highway coral reef sites, construction of 1,850 small patch reefs, and addition of nearly 2.5 million oysters to improve biologicalfiltration.
North Carolina Coastal Land Trust was also awarded $50,000 to acquire 348 acre of Hoggards Millpond Tract from the state of North Carolina and transfer it into Windsor to create a public park. Bertie County Hivehouse received $74,350 to enhance a 4-acre greenspace in Lewiston Woodville by cleaning, stormwater remediation, planting, and other improvements.
Preference is given to projects in or benefiting underserved or overburdened communities, such as those with vulnerable populations or environmental justice concerns, according to Stein’s office. EEG funds were previously used for projects such as green jobs, wetland rehabilitation, land acquisitions, stormwater remediation and stream stabilization.
The EEG program was created in 2000 using funds from a 25-year agreement between Smithfield Foods and Michael Easley. Each year, the EEG program will provide $2 million for environmental projects throughout the state. The Office of Attorney General has granted more than $38million to nearly 200 projects since the program’s inception.
More information on the 2021 grant cycle can be found here Online.
