This action approves an award in the amount of $2,499,998 to texas aandm university - corpus christi to support their efforts with improving the water quality of the gulf of mexico

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $2,499,998 Cooperative Agreement under the Geographic Programs - Gulf of Mexico Program (CFDA 66.475) to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) to support efforts improving the water quality of the Gulf of Mexico. The primary objectives are to provide clean water to environmental justice communities in South Texas using self-sustained green solutions, while protecting and restoring the Gulf of Mexico watershed by reducing nutrient and other pollutant loads. Key activities include developing and administering a competitive sub-award program to fund projects and provide technical assistance in these underserved communities. Anticipated deliverables include awarding eight sub-awards to implement water sustainability projects that enhance community resilience, develop sustainable ecosystems, and improve human health through reduced exposure to contaminated water. The five-year project period runs from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2029.

The purpose of this award is to provide clean water to environmental justice communities, in south texas, using self-sustained green solutions while protecting and restoring the gulf of mexico watershed by reducing nutrient and other pollutant loads.activities:the activities to be performed include developing and administering a competitive subaward program to fund projects/activities in communities adversely and disproportionately affected by environmental and human health harms or risks. Technical assistance will be provided and the beneficial impacts on the underserved communities will be documented. Assistance with project improvements will be provided along with education and outreach, and evaluations will be conducted on subaward projects. Subrecipient:subrecipient activities will be funded to implement a technical assistance program and eight water sustainability projects.outcomes:anticipated deliverables and expected outcomes include awarding eight subawards to fund projects that improve water quality and reduce pollution in targeted water bodies, enhance community resilience to environmental challenges such as flooding and drought, and develop sustainable ecosystems and communities through self-sustained green solutions with a small or no carbon footprint. Human health will be improved through the reduction of exposure risks to contaminated water. Awareness and education on water-related and other environmental issues will be increased. Intended beneficiaries are the residents and underserved communities in south texas, especially nueces, JIM wells, and SAN patricio counties, who will benefit from improved water quality and enhanced community resilience.