January 5, 2021
Boulder County awards sustainability grants to local communities
Grants will support projects that tackle climate change and advance sustainability initiatives
Boulder County, Colo. – In December 2020 the Boulder County Commissioners announced the recipients of 2021 Environmental Sustainability Grants in the following Boulder County communities: Boulder, Erie, Jamestown, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Lyons, Nederland, and Superior.
Boulder County’s Environmental Sustainability Matching Grant Program provides an opportunity for governmental organizations in the county to address environmental sustainability priorities within their communities. In addition to supporting local efforts, Boulder County’s Environmental Sustainability Matching Grant Program helps the county leverage community resources for a coordinated, countywide approach to environmental sustainability.
The 2021 Sustainability Grant recipients are pursuing diverse projects, including implementation of a climate vulnerability and risk mapping project, water conservation services, supporting business sustainability by augmenting the incentives provided by Boulder County Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE), and carbon sequestration actions across ecosystems.
“We are thrilled to continue this grant program, thanks to voters’ approval of the Sustainability Tax,” said Boulder County Commissioner Elise Jones. “I have been so proud of the vision and creativity from Boulder County municipalities over the years. This tenacity has resulted in many successful projects, and I’m confident these ongoing partnerships will meet the shared goal of more sustainable communities in the future.”
Recipients and projects selected for award:
- City of Boulder proposed funding of $120,000 to develop a carbon management tool and related data systems enabling Boulder to assess, design and optimize carbon sequestration actions across three primary ecosystem climate solutions: organics-to-compost to sequestration; soil-based sequestration treatments; and urban forest carbon drawdown. The City of Boulder also proposed funding to launch a food-related reusable container program in the community.
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Town of Erie proposed funding of $15,000 to offer water conservation services and incentives to residents in partnership with Resource Central.
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Town of Jamestown proposed funding of $14,098 to support diversion of waste from the landfill through the continuation of recycling and hard-to-recycle material diversion, and repair of the community ditch for agricultural purposes.
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City of Lafayette proposed funding of $34,910 to support business sustainability by augmenting the rebates and incentives provided by Boulder County Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) for businesses in Lafayette, exploration of the development of a neighborhood sustainability program, and update of the community-wide greenhouse gas inventory.
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City of Longmont proposed funding of $110,012 to support the completion of a climate vulnerability and risk mapping project, funding a part-time climate equity and engagement specialist position to identify areas in the community which may be disproportionately impacted by extreme climate impacts, and funding a sustainability grant and residential program coordinator position.
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City of Louisville proposed funding of $23,696 to continue to support a part-time sustainability specialist to implement the city’s Sustainability Action Plan and coordinate the achievement of adopted climate action goals.
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Town of Lyons proposed funding of $15,000 to offer water conservation services to residents in partnership with Resource Central, to explore the feasibility of a community solar project, and to continue to advance zero waste in the community, including composting education, yard waste and curbside compost collection, and comprehensive waste-related ordinances.
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Town of Nederland proposed funding of $15,000 to contract with a sustainability expert for program management, streamlined communication, and valuable sustainability expertise to support Nederland’s sustainability goals.
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Town of Superior proposed funding of $15,000 to conduct goat grazing as a sustainable open space management practice, ensure healthy and vibrant ecosystems, reduce use of gas-powered equipment, and reduce the use of herbicides and pesticides.
Boulder County is proud to have so many communities with progressive ideas for sustainability and looks forward to seeing these grant-winning projects come to fruition.
Background
The 2021 Sustainability Matching Grant Program is funded by Sustainability Tax revenue. In November 2016, voters approved the Sustainability Tax ballot initiative to allocate a portion of sales and use tax revenue to fund sustainability infrastructure and programs, including grant funding to cities and towns for sustainability-focused initiatives that address the priority needs of local communities.
The Sustainability Matching Grant Program was established in 2014 as a way to support efforts that propel sustainability priorities in Boulder County communities. Incorporated cities or towns located within Boulder County were eligible to apply for funding proportionate to community population. The municipality must provide a 25% match of the dollar amount requested.
For more information about this program, visit boco.org/SustainabilityMatchingGrant or contact Lea Yancey at lyancey@bouldercounty.org.
For more information about Boulder County’s sustainability mission and to learn about other programs, visit boco.org/Sustainability or contact Christian Herrmann at cherrmann@bouldercounty.org.
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Mission of the Office of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience
Our mission is to advance policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, and safeguard our climate in order to build a sustainable, just, and resilient community.