Congressman Deluzio Announces $250,000 EPA Grant to Support Community-Driven Projects in Upper Ohio River Valley

CARNEGIE, PA - Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced $249,970 in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funds will be awarded to New Sun Risingand RiverWise.The grant will allow them to continue providing technical assistance and grant preparation support to small to medium-sized local organizations pursuing projects that improve local food systems, water management, utility costs, and air quality in the Upper Ohio River Valley.

"The Ohio River is a lifeline for so many communities in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District," said Congressman Deluzio. "From drinking water, to commerce, to recreation, and more-our prosperity relies on a clean and healthy Ohio River. There are so many dedicated people working on innovative projects to improve the resilience and livability of our river towns, and this funding will help build up the organizational structure so these projects can help Western PA communities even more."

The funding was awarded through the EPA's Thriving Communities grant program, a program designed to address environmental justice issues. In Pennsylvania, the grant program is administered by the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, which has sub-granted this award to New Sun Rising and RiverWise.

The Trump Administration's efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, the courts have paused many of these freezes. However, Congressman Deluzio will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally-authorized funding will keep flowing to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio's office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov.

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