On April 13, 2023, the EPA announced the TCTAC initiative, which aims to provide grant funding to eligible applicants for the establishment of technical assistance centers nationwide. These centers will offer critical support to communities facing environmental justice concerns, as well as their partners. In partnership with the DOE, the EPA has allocated $177 million to assist overburdened communities across the country.
EPA Region III, encompassing the states of DE, MD, PA, VA, WV, and DC, will receive $12 million to enhance accessibility and remove barriers for communities with environmental justice concerns. The primary focus areas include:
- Providing training, assistance, and capacity building for writing grant proposals, navigating federal systems, and effectively managing grant funding
- Offering guidance on community engagement, meeting facilitation, and translation and interpretation services for limited English-speaking participants
- Collaborating with the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Thriving Communities Initiative to enhance communities through transportation improvements
As part of the Federal Interagency Thriving Communities Network, the program aligns with the government-wide approach and contributes to Justice40, a critical milestone in addressing environmental injustice in disadvantaged communities. The Region III TCTAC is led by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and the Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, and Health (CEEJH) with efforts supported by the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center (UMD EFC) and community hub partners including Centro De Apoyo Familiar (CAF), South Baltimore Community Land Trust (SBCLT), Overbrook Education Center, Sussex Health & Environmental Network (SHEN), Sentinels of Eastern Shore Health (SESH), and Empower DC. Morgan State University (MSU) will serve as the coordinating HBCU hub, and West Virginia State University (WVSU) will act as an HBCU hub to support work in the Appalachian region.
We are excited about the potential for positive change and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on communities throughout Region III. To facilitate communication and collaboration, we have established a mailing list where members can receive information on grant opportunities, access to resources, and receive updates on the TCTAC.
To inquire about technical assistance or volunteer as a service provider, please call: (202) 792-5350 or 1-800-757-1405 and subscribe now for exclusive updates, articles, and event notifications.