USA Receives $2.5 Million EPA Grant

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Posted on September 9, 2024

Lance Crawford

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The University of South Alabama, partnering with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, has received a $2.5 million award over five years through the Gulf of Mexico Environmental Justice Grants Program. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program funds projects helping communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental and health risks. 

“I know South has resources that can be leveraged to make a positive difference in the Gulf of Mexico region,” said Dr. Shenghua Wu, associate professor in USA’s department of civil, coastal and environmental engineering. “This program will continue South's leadership in the Gulf Coast region.” 

Wu said the University will establish the Gulf Coast Environmental Equity Center as a pass-through entity for a competitive subaward program. Applicants will submit proposals for funding projects focused on improving water quality and reducing pollution in underserved communities.

To be eligible for this funding opportunity, subaward projects must take place in only one of the five Gulf states: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. They must also be within the eligible counties for each state.

In Alabama, the entire counties of Baldwin, Escambia, Geneva, Houston and Mobile, as well as areas of Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Dale, Henry, Monroe and Washington counties will be eligible. 

“Through securing grants to support these crucial initiatives, we will seek to empower local communities to proactively protect their environment and enhance their quality of life,” Wu said. “Our efforts will impact over 900,000 residents in eligible counties, with 49 percent of them residing in disadvantaged communities.

The Gulf Coast Environmental Equity Center will be made up of Wu, Dr. Ruth Carmichael, a professor in USA’s Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Dr. Tina Miller-Way with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and a project coordinator. They will also consult an advisory board to design funding guidelines as well as to determine which projects are ultimately selected.

Funding will be distributed to support between eight and 16 short-term projects, one year or less; four to 16 medium-term projects lasting two years; and three to five long-term projects lasting three years.

“Our goal is to foster a stronger sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship among Alabama's coastal residents, promoting water quality, habitat restoration and community resilience,” Wu said.

For more information on the Gulf Coast Environmental Equity Center, visit their website.

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