Solid Waste Infrastructure For Recycling (SWIFR) Grant Program for Political Subdivisions of States and Territories

Background
The EPA is soliciting applications for a wide variety of projects that are designed to build and transform solid waste infrastructure in the United States to equitably reduce waste and manage materials to achieve a circular economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create cleaner, resilient, and healthier communities. It is anticipated that projects will enable the EPA to help eligible partners advance from “where they are” to significantly transform their post-consumer materials management infrastructure.

Projects will create new capacity for, optimize existing capacity of, or identify strategies that result in an increase in management of post-consumer materials. The EPA also recognizes and encourages applications that demonstrate innovative solutions and programs that provide or increase access to prevention, reuse, recycling, anaerobic digestion, and composting opportunities in areas that currently do not have access.

Grant Details
The SWIFR Grant Program is a covered program under the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, clean water, and other investments to disadvantaged communities.

There are three types of grants within the SWIFR program: SWIFR Grants for States and Territories, SWIFR Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia, and SWIFR Grants for Political Subdivisions. This RFA is for the SWIFR sub-grant program for Political Subdivisions.

The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity is approximately $40,000,000. The EPA anticipates awarding approximately 25 assistance agreements with at least one award per EPA Region.

The minimum individual award amount is $500,000 and the maximum individual award is $4,000,000 for the grant period which is up to three years.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of states such as local governments. Disadvantaged communities meeting specific criteria are also eligible. Coalitions of eligible applicants may submit a single application under this RFA.

Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) are encouraged to apply.

Period of Performance
The grant period is up to three years with an application submission deadline by January 16, 2023.

Grant Value
The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity is approximately $40,000,000 with individual awards ranging from $500,000 to $4,000,000.

Place of Performance
Projects funded under this solicitation will support various environmental goals and objectives across different communities in the United States.