Title
Grant Application - Continuation of Air Awareness Programming in the Charlotte Region
Action
ACTION:
1) Approve an increase of $36,000 to an existing N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Air Awareness grant to support education and outreach programs in the multi-county Charlotte region
2) Adopt the required grant project ordinance for Air Awareness Grant in the General Grant Fund (G001)
3) If awarded, recognize, receive, and appropriate the award amount to the General Grant Fund (G001) within the Land Use and Environmental Services Agency
Staff Contact: Leslie Rhodes, LUESA - Air Quality Director
Presentation: No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
Mecklenburg County Air Quality (MCAQ) is requesting approval to receive an additional $28,800 in grant funding from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) under an existing grant that covers 80% of the cost to administer the “Charlotte Air Awareness” program (CAA). MCAQ will provide the 20% match ($7,200) from division funds for a total increase of $36,000 in the grant.
CAA is a state program that is administered by Mecklenburg County for the seven county Charlotte region. CAA provides education to residents, businesses and schools across the region on topics including health impacts of air pollution and voluntary pollution-reduction strategies. CAA is administered by current MCAQ staff. No new County resources are needed.
CAA work aligns with the Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA) Strategic Business Plan strategy to "Listening and responding to residents, businesses, the AQC advisory board and other stakeholders." (LUE.3.1.C).
Public education and outreach programs, like CAA, are encouraged by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as effective tools to improve air quality and protect public health. DEQ has found that the most effective outreach programs are performed by locally based personnel who can work closely with members of the local community. Therefo...
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