Christine (NVCOG environmental planning staff) told TTAC members NVCOG is promoting three near-term environmental funding opportunities and is available to assist municipalities with applications.

The first program is the Trees for Communities grant (deadline Aug. 31), which can fund tree planting, invasive removal and community engagement; awards can reach up to $200,000 and eligibility is determined by CTDEEP maps. The Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) program and the Urban Green and Community Garden grant both have Nov. 3 application deadlines; OSWA requires a 75/25 match on fair market value for land acquisition, and the Urban Green program requires a 50% match and targets environmental justice/targeted investment communities. NVCOG staff offered assistance with narratives, maps and support letters.

Staff also briefed members on a draft regional waste authority (RWA) study produced with consultant Tetra Tech. The draft was distributed to chief elected officials on July 25; comments to the consultant were requested by Aug. 15. The study analyzed three principal alternatives: organize a new RWA, join an existing RWA, or a no-build scenario in which the regional public works entity continues limited opt-in services such as household hazardous waste collections. NVCOG staff said a finalized study is expected in early fall and the board may be asked to decide how to proceed at that time.

Committee members asked how TTAC members could review the draft; staff said they could share the draft once CEOs have submitted comments and encouraged municipalities to provide feedback through their CEOs. NVCOG staff said they will follow up with interested TTAC members and offer technical assistance for grant applications.