Boulder County, Colo. - On Thursday, Feb. 22, the Boulder County Commissioners announced the recipients of 2018 environmental Sustainability Grants in the following communities in Boulder County: Boulder, Erie, Jamestown, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Lyons, Nederland, and Ward.

Boulder County’s Environmental Sustainability Matching Grant Program provides an opportunity for governmental organizations in the county to undertake environmental sustainability priorities within their communities. In addition to supporting local efforts,
Boulder County’s Environmental Sustainability Matching Grant Program will help the county leverage community resources for a coordinated, county-wide approach to environmental sustainability.

The 2018 Sustainability Grant recipients are pursuing diverse projects, including public engagement on community renewable energy goals, public transit incentives and education, workforce development in underserved communities to save energy, outdoor water conservation, and resilient local food projects.

“We are excited to see the variety of projects in the 2018 grant program,” said Boulder County Commissioner Elise Jones. “The vision of the municipalities in Boulder County has resulted in many successful projects, and we’re looking forward to continued partnership to meet our shared goal of more sustainable communities.”

The Sustainability Matching Grant Program was established in 2014 as a way to support efforts that propel sustainability priorities in Boulder County communities. Any municipality located within Boulder County that could provide match for their request was eligible to apply for up to $15,000.

Recipients and proposed projects:

• City of Boulder proposed funding of $15,000 to develop an ecological assessment and implementation plan. The proposed project will support a more integrated municipal ecosystem management strategy and help prepare the community to adapt to climate change impacts on ecosystems.
• Town of Erie proposed funding of $14,000 to offer water conservation services and incentives to residents and businesses, such as outdoor water audits, xeriscaping, and water conservation seminars, in partnership with Resource Central. The project aims to conserve water and meet the conservation goals set by the Town’s Water Conservation Plan.
• Town of Jamestown proposed funding of $3,995 to divert waste from the landfill through a monthly community collection of recyclables, and community zero waste education. The project will help divert materials from the landfill and conserve raw materials.
• City of Lafayette proposed funding of $15,000 to support community engagement to achieve the community’s renewable energy goal and to incentivize and educate community members on public transit. The project aims to increase community and stakeholder involvement, increase public transportation access for all, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality.
• City of Longmont proposed funding of $15,000 to train low income residents on the installation of efficient energy and water fixtures and to increase the efficiency of homes through this pilot project. In partnership with CU Boulder, the project provides workforce development opportunities to underserved communities and seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce utility bill costs.
• City of Louisville proposed funding of $15,000 to continue to support a part-time sustainability specialist to implement the
  Sustainability Action Plan and manage and coordinate all projects and programs related to climate and energy, water, transportation, waste, and local food. The project is intended to support a sustainable future and prioritize
  environmental health, economic vitality, and community well-being.
• Town of Lyons proposed funding of $15,000 to continue to support a part-time sustainability coordinator to implement recommendations identified in the Lyons Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (LESAP), help administer existing programs, and measure environmental impacts. Benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner air, and waste reduction.
• Town of Nederland proposed funding of $15,000 for community project coordinator stipends to increase outreach to Nederland residents and businesses for greater participation in existing sustainability services, refine and implement an action plan for Nederland’s 100 percent renewable energy goal, continue local food projects, and create a 3-year sustainability action plan. These activities align with the community’s renewable energy and local food
  goals and priorities.
• Town of Ward proposed funding of $15,000 to continue efforts to increase local food security and resiliency and to provide stipends for community project coordinators. The Ward community aims to achieve long term resiliency and self-reliance though food security.

Boulder County is proud to have so many communities with progressive ideas for sustainability, and the county looks forward to seeing these grant-winning projects come to fruition. For more information about Boulder County’s sustainability mission and to learn about other programs, visit www.BoulderCountySustainability.org.