EPA Administrator Announces Trash-Free Great Lakes Grant Program
For the first time, EPA will be requesting competitive applications for GLRI funding for trash-free water project grants in the Great Lakes
Last week, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Region 5 Administrator Cathy Stepp visited Cleveland to announce an upcoming Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant program aimed on funding trash-free water projects in the Great Lakes, according to a press release.
"Removing trash, litter and garbage - including plastics - from marine and freshwater environments is one of EPA's highest priorities," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "The Trash-Free Great Lakes Grant Program is intended to fund efforts by communities and other applicants to clean up beaches and waterways so that the Great Lakes watershed will continue to provide habitat for wildlife and drinking water and recreation for tens of millions of people."
The EPA expects that approximately $2 million in total funding will be available, with a maximum grant amount of $500,000 per project. Up to 12 grants could be awarded, including two larger scale projects and 10 smaller scale projects.
The EPA expects to issue a Request for Applications (RFA) in October of this year to solicit applications from eligible entities for GLRI grants. Once the RFA is released, applicants will have approximately 45 days to respond.
Possible types of eligible projects include:
- Great Lakes beach and shoreline cleanup projects
- Great Lakes harbor and river cleanup projects
- Great Lakes trash and litter prevention and education projects
More details will be made available once the RFA is released in October.