JANESVILLE — The city of Janesville is partnering with Madison engineering consultant Ayres Associates, Inc. and twelve community groups, in applying for a $20 million grant to address environmental justice challenges in the community.
The grant application, to be submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will address challenges related to issues such as housing, pollution and economic development.
Initiatives being considered to fund could relate to housing, green initiatives, education, workforce or infrastructure.
The grant aims to provide resources for projects in communities facing disproportionate and adverse health, pollution, and ecological impacts.
The city of Janesville, along with Ayres Associates and the twelve community partners, are hosting three community feedback sessions where more information will be provided. Those are:
Wednesday, Sept. 4, in the Janesville City Hall Council Chambers, 18 N. Jackson St. from 6 to 7:30 p.m.Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the Rock County Resource Center, 1717 Center Ave. from 5 to 6:30 p.m.Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the Rock County Resource Center, 1717 Center Ave. from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Jimsi Kuborn, the city of Janesville’s economic development director, said the city hopes through the grant to increase community resilience through climate action activities and prepare for and lessen the effects of climate change.
She said areas of focus beyond housing, pollution and economic development will be considered. The city welcomes community members’ ideas for using the grant money, and hopes community members will share ideas and offer thoughts on what the top needs are and what priorities should be.
Kuborn said the grant application is due Nov. 21, with the funding to be distributed over three years, starting in 2025.
She said the initiative fits into the city’s broader environmental concerns and is “important as we move all plans forward for the success of our community.”
She also said the aim is to improve economic outcomes for our community members. “As we move forward, I anticipate we will have many partnerships for the success of the community,” she said.
More information is at storymaps.com or by contacting Kuborn at (608) 755-3059.
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