This project provides funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) (PL 117-58) for groundwork elizabeth to conduct eligible technical assistance-related activities as authorized…

Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 awarded Groundwork Elizabeth Inc. a $739,550 Cooperative Agreement on January 1, 2026, under the Brownfields Job Training program (CFDA 66.815) to recruit, train, and place unemployed and underemployed residents of Elizabeth, New Jersey in environmental remediation careers.

The recipient will deliver workforce development services including OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training, OSHA 30-hour construction safety instruction, OSHA Disaster Site Worker Trainer certification, and green remediation technology training. Groundwork Elizabeth will train participants in skills and certifications necessary for environmental careers focused on hazardous waste and contaminated site remediation, as well as chemical safety. The recipient will also report interim progress and final accomplishments through EPA's Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES).

The agreement funds training delivery across 24 classroom-style, practical, and curricula modules with an anticipated outcome of 75 individuals recruited, trained, certified, and placed into environmental careers in communities impacted by solid and hazardous waste sites and facilities. Place of performance is New Jersey. The period of performance runs through December 31, 2029. No sub-recipients are included in this assistance agreement.

This project provides funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) (PL 117-58) for groundwork elizabeth to conduct eligible technical assistance-related activities as authorized by comprehensive environmental response, compensation, and liability act (cercla) 104(k)(7). The recipient will recruit, train, and place unemployed and underemployed residents of elizabeth, NJ in environmental careers with skills needed to safely conduct remediation work at solid and hazardous waste-contaminated sites, as well as appropriate training in green remediation technologies and emergency planning and chemical safety. Groundwork elizabeth's training goal is to provide participants with the opportunity to learn about a variety of environmental careers, prompting them to consider further exploration upon graduation. Activities:this project will train graduates to earn skills and certifications necessary to enter into environmental careers. Activities to be performed during under this project are OSHA 40-hour hazwoper training, GWE microforest/remediation, OSHA 30-hour construction course, OSHA #5600 disaster site worker trainer course and much more. Also, the recipient will report on interim progress and final accomplishments by completing and submitting relevant portions of the property profile form using EPA's assessment, cleanup and redevelopment exchange system (acres). This project will provide training to underemployed communities in elizabeth, NJ. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:this project will provide training to underemployed communities in elizabeth, NJ. The anticipated deliverables are: 75 of individuals recruited, trained, certified, and placed in environmental careers in communities impacted by solid and hazardous waste sites and facilities. 24 of classroom style trainings, practical trainings, and curricula modules. Of appropriate certifications in environmental sampling and site cleanup methods. 40 of individuals that receive certifications in occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.120 40-hour hazwoper training. Expected outcomes from this project include: -help residents of communities take advantage of jobs created by the assessment and cleanup of brownfields and the assessment, cleanup, and management of solid and hazardous waste sites and facilities while addressing sustainable community revitalization concerns. -provide training that leads to sustainable employment in the environmental field. -improve community involvement and stimulate the development of constructive partnerships. -reduce exposures to hazardous substances and other contaminants and improve the health of workers, occupants, and residents. -foster self-sufficiency and enhance the skills and availability of labor for environmental remediation in particularly impacted communities, including those that are impacted by a variety of waste facilities, blighted properties, contaminated sites, and other environmental issues. -enable residents to participate in the promotion of environmental health and occupational safety, both on the job and in their communities.