The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Friday two New Hampshire Organizations have been awarded grants totaling $300,500 to help 78 New Hampshire communities plan, implement and improve their community waste management practices.
Two Solid Waste Management Grants will be awarded to the following organizations:
· North Country Council, Inc.: $100,500 to improve recycling practices in 51 northernmost communities of New Hampshire by working with community leaders, waste management personnel and volunteers to increase awareness of household hazardous waste, electronic waste, tire and unwanted machine disposal. Funds will also finance a study of current waste management practices in order to identify alternatives that increase recycling volume in both household and corporate environments. This study aims to reduce the waste stream produced by New Hampshire’s North Country.
· Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission: $200,000 to direct a solid waste management program in 27-communities by developing and promoting educational resources, trainings, workshops and onsite technical assistance. The project will focus on reducing improper hazardous waste and medicine disposal; reduction of hazardous materials in schools and art studios through education; and increased access, safety and efficiency practices of current waste transfer stations.
"These two organizations will use these funds to reduce the amount of hazardous waste that reaches our landfills," said USDA Rural Development State Director Ted Brady. "Spreading solid waste management best practices not only helps reduce waste, but also prevents hazardous waste from impacting the rural communities that often host landfills."
USDA Rural Development Solid Waste Management Grant program provides federal grants to evaluate current landfill conditions, provide technical assistance or training and education to develop and implement responsible solid waste management and water resource protection.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.
USDA, through its RD mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $201 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural areas. For more information on Rural Development visit the Vermont/New Hampshire Rural Development Website (www.rurdev.usda.gov/nh-vtHome.html) or contact USDA RD at (802) 828-6000.