The California Natural Resources Agency has begun taking comments on the State’s new Urban Greening Grant Program, which was established by the Legislature in the 2016-17 State Budget. The program is a result of a last-minute, unexpected $80 million allocation from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the repository for the proceeds from the State’s carbon Cap-and-Trade auction.
The new program focuses on transforming urban settings into greener, more sustainable environments by building and enhancing parks and open space, implementing natural solutions to improve air and water quality and reduce energy consumption, and developing walkable and bike-able trails. While funds from the program will be awarded on a competitive basis, projects benefiting disadvantaged communities as defined by the California Environmental Protection Agency will be given priority consideration.
Comments on the program are due by December 5, 2016. Additional information on the program can be accessed here.