Grant application creates foundation for future climate work

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the awardees of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, a $4.3 billion program to advance climate resilience efforts across the nation. MARC and local partners are seeking additional paths to move forward as one of the more than 200 applications not selected.

The agency reviewed more than $30 billion in grant funding requests across nearly 300 applications, with 25 applications ultimately selected for funding.

“Hundreds of people and organizations came together to develop the region’s $200 million proposal and, while we are disappointed that we were not selected, the application will serve as a catalyst and blueprint for years to come,” said Tom Jacobs, MARC’s chief resilience officer and environmental programs director. “This effort required an unprecedented level of regional collaboration and engagement. We will continue to move forward together.”

The grant supports regional progress on climate action by:

• Articulating a shared vision of an environmental justice-focused model of resilience. 
• Adopting an interconnected, cross-sector approach – making sure that every dollar invested achieves multiple benefits.
• Partnering in new ways to solve tough problems.
• Developing a pipeline of hundreds of “shovel-ready” projects. 
• Building support for climate action at every level of the community.

The region’s grant application was based on the KC Regional Priority Climate Action Plan, completed earlier this year, which — in turn — was based on the 2021 Regional Climate Action Plan. These plans are voluntary frameworks to guide and align local action in ways that make a difference for the entire Kansas City region.

“Our region is unique because we team up on big opportunities like this,” Jacobs said. “I am inspired by the hard work and dedication of everyone who supported our proposal. Thank you for your involvement and we look forward to working alongside you to transform the metropolitan area into a more resilient, equitable and healthy community.”

Read more about MARC’s climate resilience work: https://www.marc.org/environment/climate-resilience