This action approves an award in the amount of $2,499,616 to the deep south center for environmental justice

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a $2,499,616 Cooperative Agreement to the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) under the Geographic Programs - Gulf of Mexico Program (CFDA 66.475). The purpose of this award is to demonstrate effective green infrastructure solutions to mitigate flooding and enhance community resilience in underserved coastal communities in Louisiana.

The activities to be performed under this award include developing and administering a competitive subaward program, as well as providing technical assistance to communities adversely affected by environmental and public health issues. The subawards will fund community-led environmental justice projects focused on improving water quality, enhancing community resilience, and implementing green infrastructure practices in underserved and underrepresented areas. The anticipated outcomes include awarding up to 24 subawards, implementing approximately 30 environmental justice projects, and benefiting an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 people through the green infrastructure initiatives. The award period is from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2026.

The purpose of this award is to demonstrate effective solutions to mitigate flooding and enhance community resilience using green infrastructure practices.activities:the activities to be performed include developing and administering a competitive subaward program and providing technical assistance to communities adversely and disproportionately affected by environmental and human health harms or risks. Community-led environmental justice projects will demonstrate green infrastructure practices that address water quality issues and improve quality of life in underserved communities by mitigating flood hazards, reducing impacts from nonpoint source pollution, or improving stormwater management. Subrecipient:subrecipient activities will be funded to implement competitively selected projects that focus on the key areas of water quality, community resilience, and green infrastructure practices in underserved and underrepresented communities.outcomes:anticipated deliverables and expected outcomes include awarding up to 24 subawards of varied amounts with an expected 30 environmental justice projects implemented. An estimated 50,000 to 100,000 people will benefit from green infrastructure projects, and 300 to 400 individuals will receive technical assistance. There will be an increase in the number of individuals who gain a better understanding of environmental issues in their communities. The underserved communities in coastal louisiana will benefit from improved water quality and a reduction in pollution impacts.