Delaware offers grants to help communities go green

Delaware communities are being invited to apply for state grants to help make their hometowns sustainable, green and inviting, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Controls (DNREC) said recently.

Sustainable Communities Planning Grants from the DNREC's Division of Energy & Climate are available to municipalities, county governments and their academic and non-profit partners.
 
“Partners are not required to be Delaware-based, as long as the proposed project will be developed for and in tandem with a Delaware community; multiple jurisdictions may partner on joint projects," the DNREC said.

The grants are intended to bolster planning and assessment projects to improve the economy, environment and public health in state communities. Counties and towns with populations of at least 5,000 may apply for up to $80,000, while smaller areas may ask for up to $40,000.

“Delaware communities have already shown initiative in making their hometowns more sustainable – expanding bike networks, harnessing energy from renewable resources and reducing flood risks,” Bahareh van Boekhold, sustainability planner for the Division of Energy & Climate, said. “Sustainable Communities Planning Grants will help build healthy, greener communities that attract new businesses, create new jobs, protect citizens and safeguard communities’ natural and cultural heritage.”

Successful completion of projects has an additional reward: Recipients might be eligible for future grants that can help with other sustainability projects that are identified in the assessment process undertaken for the first grant project.