The Allegheny County Health Department has recently secured a significant financial boost to fortify community defenses against climate-related challenges. With a grant nearly reaching the million-dollar mark, specifically at $930,000, the department is set to implement projects geared toward environmental justice. According to the Allegheny County official press release, these funds will help 15 designated communities within the county, focusing on enhancing areas and lessening flood damage.
The initiative is punctuated by the creation and execution of 10 green stormwater infrastructure projects and the financing of litter cleanups across the county's communities. Identifying the 15 eligible communities involved in the Allegheny County Health Department's EJ index—a tool crafted from community input and a foundational data set, capturing eight key social and environmental indicators. According to the department's announcement, these communities are set to receive incentives and assistance to develop their nuanced climate resilience strategies.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded this grant through the Environmental Justice Government-to-Government program. It supports the Allegheny County Health Department’s goal of creating climate resilience plans for 33 communities by 2027. Landforce focuses on eco-friendly projects like rain gardens to reduce flooding. At the same time, Allegheny CleanWays handles cleanups to prevent flooding and remove water contamination from illegal dumping and blocked storm drains.
The health department collaborates with the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority, the Departments of Sustainability and Emergency Services, and two local Councils of Governments: Steel Rivers and Turtle Creek Valley. The Allegheny County EJG2G webpage provides updates and project details, and you can also sign up for quarterly newsletters.
