Title:
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Request Board approval to submit a grant application to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant (CCG) requesting up to $20,000,000 and authorize the County Manager or designee to execute the grant application and supporting documents as required for the grant. Countywide (Lorie Bailey Brown, CFO/Resource Management Director) Requesting Department - Innovation and Strategic Initiatives
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Division:
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Resource Management - Grants Administration
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Authorized By:
Lorie Bailey Brown: CFO/Resource Management Director
Contact/Phone Number:
George Woodring/407-665-7168
Background:
The Federal EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants (CCG) provides funding for local Community Resilience Hubs to address environmental and climate justice challenges and advance clean energy. The project "Strengthening Community Resilience Hubs in Seminole County," led by Seminole County Government in partnership with Community Leaders, Seminole County Public Schools, the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (ECFRPC), and the Community Based Organization (CBO) - Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW), seeks $20 million in funding over three years to enhance community resilience in Low Income Disadvantage Communities (LIDAC) throughout Seminole County. The initiative aims to establish and upgrade community resilience hubs in community centers, churches, public schools, and county buildings that serve as critical resources during emergencies. By fortifying these facilities, the project ensures they remain operable and effective in providing essential services during extreme weather events, natural disasters, and other emergencies, thereby enhancing the overall resilience and safety of the community.
The grant funding does not have a matching requirement. The collaboration between Seminole County Government, community leaders, regional planning experts, and solar energy specialists will ensure the successful implementation and sustained impact of these resilience hubs.
Requested Action:
Staff requests Board approval to submit a grant application to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant (CCG) requesting up to $20,000,000; and authorize the County Manager or designee to execute the grant application and supporting documents as required for the grant.