Committee accepts EPA grant for air monitoring; city to provide large local match

The Metropolitan Council Budget & Finance Committee accepted an air pollution control program support grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to the Metropolitan Board of Health for ongoing collection of ambient air concentrations of fine particulate matter.

Council discussion clarified funding details. Councilwoman Suarez asked for the record whether the grant award is $100,000 and how much local matching money would be required. A staff member identified in the transcript as “Mr. Sharp” explained the local match over a two‑year period is roughly $700,000; he said the EPA’s grant disbursement will occur over the grant period and estimated the federal disbursement over two years would be about $800,000, while Metro’s local match would be approximately 45% of the total program cost and would fund staff salaries and program operations.

Council then approved the resolution as substituted. The substitute title and language were described in committee as focused on supporting activities to protect air quality so that Nashville achieves its established ambient air standards.