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APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GRANTS

Release Date: 12/23/1996
Contact Information: Leo Kay, Press Office, (617)918-4154 Rodney Elliott, Environmental Justice Coordinator, (617)565-9056

BOSTON -- The New England office of the Environmental Protection Agency called today for community groups and tribal governments to put together proposals for fiscal year 1997 environmental justice grant projects.

The grant program provides financial assistance to community based grassroots organizations, churches or other non-profit groups and tribal governments that are working on projects to address environmental justice issues. Environmental justice involves the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.

The EPA has made environmental justice a priority, awarding millions of dollars annually to community groups working on issues ranging from lead paint in older housing to revitalizing vacant lots in cities and towns throughout the country.

In 1996, the EPA awarded more than $339,000 to 17 New England applicants who requested grant monies ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.

Those who would like to further the cause of environmental justice should apply for an EPA grant by obtaining a copy of the Federal Register dated Wednesday, December 11, 1996 at your local library, or by contacting Rodney Elliott at U.S. EPA, JFK Federal Building (RAA), Boston, MA 02203, (617)565-9056, or send an e-mail with your address to "[email protected]".

The deadline for submitting proposals is Friday, February 21, 1997.