By: @Ophelia Szigeti
Special districts in the state now have access to two important grant opportunities accessed through the California Grants Portal. These grants aim to support local efforts in addressing illegal waste disposal and enhancing preparedness for natural disasters. Both programs provide financial assistance to help districts improve public safety, protect the environment, and reduce risks to communities.
Illegal Disposal Site Abatement Grant Program – Deadline: October 16
The first opportunity, the Illegal Disposal Site Abatement Grant Program focuses on mitigating the harmful effects of illegal dumping by providing financial assistance for the cleanup and prevention of solid waste accumulation, such as unhoused encampment cleanup. The grant is designed to help public entities expedite the clean up of sites affected by illegal dumping of solid waste with the goal of protecting public health, safety, and the environment with a district’s jurisdiction.
Eligible expenses include the removal and disposal of waste, as well as security measures such as fences, barriers, and warning signs to prevent future illegal dumping at remediated sites. However, prevention measures and staff time are limited to no more than 25 percent of the total grant amount. This allocation can also cover public information materials related to prevention efforts. Additionally, health and safety costs are eligible, which may include expenses for contractors, public agency labor, rental equipment, design preparation, or consulting services directly tied to an eligible cost item.
The application deadline is October 16, 11:59 PM, and further details are available on the program’s page within the California Grants Portal. For specific inquiries, contact Julian Lopez at CalRecycle via email at julian.lopez@calrecycle.ca.gov.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program – Rolling Deadline
The second opportunity, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, offers funding to reduce risks posed by natural disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, droughts, and floods, while also supporting the development of long-term hazard mitigation plans.
Administered by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), this program is funded through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). It provides support for plans and projects aimed at minimizing the impacts of future natural disasters as outlined in California’s State Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Special districts can apply as sub-applicants through any California county. The HMGP also offers funding for the development of Local Hazard Mitigation Plans (LHMP) and preliminary project scoping activities, referred to as Advanced Assistance.
OES accepts Notices of Interest (NOI) on a rolling basis for future funding opportunities. Priority is given to projects that significantly reduce risks to life and property from natural hazards. To be eligible, applicants must have a FEMA approved and locally adopted Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
For more information, visit the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program page on the California Grants Portal. Questions about this grant can be directed to the Hazard Mitigation Assistance team at HMA@caloes.ca.gov or by calling (916) 328-7450.
#ClimateAdaptation
#EnvironmentandDisasterPreparedness
#AdvocacyNews
#FeatureNews