The agreement provides funding to the pacific international center for high technology research

This $1,000,000 Cooperative Agreement, awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Program (CFDA 66.445), will fund the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR) to accelerate career tracks in the water utilities sector and provide access to water utility workforce opportunities.

The key activities include establishing education and training programs, such as internships and apprenticeships, designed for decentralized water workers like private well and septic system service professionals. This will support public health outcomes for communities relying on decentralized water systems. A sub-awardee, Wastewater Alternatives and Innovations, will lead efforts to increase awareness about job training, environmental, and public health issues related to decentralized wastewater and cesspools in Hawaii, as well as oversee the implementation and expansion of the wastewater training program and the launch of a decentralized wastewater resource and training center. The anticipated outcomes include increased participation in water/wastewater education and training programs, particularly for underserved communities, leading to a stronger decentralized water workforce.

Specifically, the recipient will accelerate career tracks in the water utilities sector and provide access to water utility workforce opportunities. Activities:the activities include establishing education and training programs, including internship or apprenticeship programs, designed for decentralized water workers (i.e., private well and/or septic system service professionals) to support public health outcomes for communities that rely on decentralized systems for adequate treatment and disposal of wastewater, or on private wells for drinking water. Subrecipient:the sub-awardee, wastewater alternatives and innovations, will 1) bring together industry leaders and project partners to provide input into the statewide expansion of the wastewater training programs and on-the-job training opportunities; 2) lead the effort to increase awareness about urgent job training, environmental and public health issues related to decentralized wastewater and cesspools in hawai'i; 3) lead outreach and recruitment campaigns; 4) oversee implementation and statewide expansion of the wastewater training program; and, 5) oversee the design and launch of the decentralized wastewater resource and training center.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include an increased number of participants in existing or new education and training programs, including internship or apprenticeship programs designed for skilled decentralized water trades. The expected outcomes include an increased number of individuals from underserved communities who are aware about the career opportunities in the decentralized water sector. The intended beneficiaries include individuals who participate in the program, the general public, utilities, and underserved communities.