First State Times

Virtual Public Workshop Scheduled for Nov. 16

Delaware communities adversely affected by environmental pollution can now apply for Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF) restoration grants for the 2023 grant cycle through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

The CEPF was created by the Delaware General Assembly in 2004 through legislation that authorized DNREC to establish a grant fund by withholding 25% of funds collected as penalties for violations of environmental regulations. These funds are returned to the communities where violations occurred through competitive grants to nonprofit organizations in support of community environmental projects.

Grants are available to affected communities to fund restoration projects that result in:

• Reduced pollution
• Enhanced natural resources
• Enhanced recreational opportunities

IRS tax-exempt organizations are eligible for CEPF grants of up to $25,000. These groups include civic and community organizations, educational institutions, counties, municipal governments, state agencies and quasi-state agencies. The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. The projects funded in this grant cycle can begin on July 1, 2023 and should be completed by June 30, 2024.

To assist applicants with finalizing their applications, DNREC will hold a virtual public workshop focused on the CEPF program at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16. Connection information for the workshop is posted at de.gov/dnrecmeetings, and at de.gov/cepf. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required for participation.

Recent CEPF mitigation projects benefitting Delaware communities adversely affected by environmental pollution have included: a project to improve aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitats surrounding major waterways, a native tree canopy restoration planting due to storm damage, a food waste reduction program through composting, an educational project about environmental damage caused by improper disposal of cigarette butts that also encourages beach cleanups, a living shoreline installation at Thompson Island in the Inland Bays, a park beautification project on the Route 9 corridor, a community project to establish sustainable green spaces, community gardens and recreational areas that support healthy living in Northeast Wilmington, and a brownfield remediation project to convert a vacant lot into a playground for pre-school children, a basketball court for school age youth and an outdoor classroom in Wilmington’s Southbridge community.

The grant application, workshop details and more information about the CEPF are available online at de.gov/cepf.

Original source can be found here.