EPN Congratulates the Recipients of the Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers Cooperative Agreements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2023

CONTACT:
Steven Fantes, Public Affairs Manager
617-817-1297 and steven.fantes@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org


EPN Congratulates the Finalists of the Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers Cooperative Agreements

Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the Department of Energy, announced the 17 recipients—3 national and 14 regional—of the Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (TCTAC) Program cooperative agreements. The new technical assistance centers will provide training, assistance, and capacity building on writing grant proposals, navigating federal systems such as Grants.gov and SAM.gov, and effectively managing grant funding.


The Environmental Protection Network (EPN) congratulates all of the TCTAC finalists and their partners and is excited to support, formally and informally, all of the centers to build the capacity of environmental justice communities across the country. In response to the announcement, EPN Executive Director Michelle Roos, Senior Community Outreach Associate Kya Williams, and Midwest-focused Community Outreach Associate Davina Resto released the following statements:


“Today’s announcement is a significant step in providing much needed resources to communities who have disproportionately borne the brunt of environmental, climate, and public health harms and risks for decades. It is also critical to achieving the goals of the Justice40 Initiative, and ensuring that 40% of federal investments in climate change and clean energy benefit disadvantaged communities.” – Michelle Roos


“I have been working with my colleagues and EPN’s more than 550 EPA alumni volunteers to provide pro bono technical assistance to low-income communities and communities of color, and I’ve seen firsthand the great need for this investment. In less than two years, we’ve responded to almost 300 requests for technical assistance and added 5 Community Outreach Associates to our staff to serve this incredible demand. I’m excited to see all that we can accomplish with centers across the country.” – Kya Williams


“So many communities are in need of funding for projects that will improve their health and quality of life. These centers will help see that federal funding gets into the hands of the communities who need it the most. EPN has been helping hundreds of communities and organizations apply for $100 million in EPA EJ funding that is currently available through webinars, trainings, office hours, a 5-step suggested application process (with templates, deadlines, and checklist), and one-on-one support. Most of the communities we are assisting have never received or even applied for federal funding, which can be a daunting task. It is humbling to be a part of this moment when community voices are being uplifted and historic change is possible!” – Davina Resto


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ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NETWORK
Founded in 2017, the Environmental Protection Network (EPN) harnesses the expertise of more than 550 former EPA career staff and confirmation-level appointees from Democratic and Republican administrations to provide the unique perspective of former regulators with decades of historical knowledge and subject matter expertise.