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Boulder News: Boulder Country Awards $126k in Local Grants

Boulder County has given a sum total of $126k for the cities and towns  for new projects.  Specifically, projects and services aimed toward environmental sustainability.  There are a great number of sustainability projects that can be pursued thanks to these grants.  For example, Longmont intends to develop new ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  And, Nederland plans to build a greenhouse to increase food production.

The sustainability coordinator for Boulder, Susie Strife, commented on the grants.  “We are grateful for the leadership of municipalities to advance sustainability in our region.  We value the partnerships we have built to meet our shared vision of more sustainable communities.”

In addition to the grant money, municipalities will also match at least 25% of the funds awarded.  However, Jamestown, Nederland, and Ward will provide local services equivalent to that amount in place of raw funds.

The city of Boulder’s grant of $15,000 will be used to create a strategy for increasing electric vehicle adoption rates.  The overall goal is to reach a level that meets the city’s climate commitment target.  Lafayette has a similar goal with their $15,000 involving solar power.  They intend to make the process of planning and permitting panels much easier.  Additionally, solar workshops and resources for the community will be made available.

Louisville, also receiving $15,000, will hire a sustainability consultant.  They will carry out the city’s short and long term objectives in their Sustainability Action Plan.  Superior will use their $15,000 to improve their waste drop off site.  This will increase waste diversion from the landfill, while also making the facility more user friendly and safer.  Superior’s goal is to reach 50% waste diversion with this grant.

Jamestown, receiving the smallest grant of $6,785, also looks to use the funds for waste diversion.  Their approach will be through community education on zero waste and recycling collection.  Ward intends to continue efforts in food security.  Also, they will be able to hire a consultant to look into septic system solutions.

All projects were reviewed and approved by the County.  They were detailed in full in the country news release.