Tree equity and employment

The federal Project Grant award of $2,640,847.00 was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service under the Inflation Reduction Act Urban & Community Forestry Program (CFDA 10.727). The award, titled "TREE EQUITY AND EMPLOYMENT," was made to the New Haven/Urban Resources Initiative, Inc. (URI) on March 13, 2024 and has a performance period ending on February 15, 2029.

The primary objective of this grant is to plan for, establish, manage, and protect trees, forests, green spaces, and related natural resources in urban and community settings within Connecticut. The program aims to provide ecosystem services, social benefits, and economic advantages through urban forestry initiatives, with a focus on advancing environmental justice in underserved areas. Key activities to be funded include tree planting, ecosystem restoration, conservation planning, workforce development, and educational outreach to increase tree canopy cover in disadvantaged communities.