Title:
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Request Board approval to submit a grant application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grants requesting up to $5,000,000 to upgrade recycling education and services through the County Solid Waste Department; 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 - Environmental Services
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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 EPA has announced funding through the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant program. These grants will help local waste management authorities enhance post-consumer materials management and municipal recycling programs. This funding is a vital opportunity to invest in projects that improve recycling, reduce contamination, and promote a circular economy in solid waste management. Applications are due by December 20, 2024, for three-year projects, with a maximum funding amount of $5,000,000, and no match is required.
Seminole County will use the funding to retrofit a designated recycling education center. This center will educate citizens on recycling and provide programming to teach citizens how to repurpose furniture and upcycle clothing. Additionally, the project will enhance the County's infrastructure for receiving recycled goods by expanding the scale house. To ensure accurate reporting on inputs and outputs, the County will also seek updated software to monitor project efforts.
Requested Action:
Staff requests Board approval to submit a grant application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grants requesting up to $5,000,000 to upgrade recycling education and services through the County Solid Waste Department; and authorize the County Manager or designee to execute the grant application and supporting documents as required for the grant.