EPA Grants $3 Million to Improve Air and Groundwater in Yakima Valley, Washington
The agency will fund new projects at the Washington State Department of Health and the University of Washington.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Dec 15, 2023
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced it is devoting nearly $3 million in grants for projects in Yakima Valley, Washington. This funding aims to address air and groundwater quality in communities that historically faced high levels of pollution.
During a recent press conference in Granger, Washington, EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller announced a grant of $1 million to the Washington State Department of Health. This three-year project will commence in January 2024 and aims to enhance education and community outreach efforts about groundwater and air quality issues in the Yakima Valley.
In addition, the University of Washington received $1,896,439 to establish a research center that will identify communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards.
“Residents of the Lower Yakima Valley, especially lower-income residents and communities of color, are bearing the burdens of pollutants,” Sixkiller said in a statement. “We’re focused on addressing environmental justice concerns in Yakima Valley, which has helped guide our approach to sustained actions over time to improve health outcomes in this community.”
The EPA also conducted a grant funding workshop, providing information on grant and technical assistance available to potential applicants in the region through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. State and federal representatives were in attendance.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor for Environmental Protection.