>=,EPA Investing in America through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants Tribes and Intertribal Consortia Fact Sheet Metlakatla Indian Community Selected Grant Recipient Name: Metlakatla Indian Community Project Location: Metlakatla, AK Project Title: Metlakatla Indian Community Composting Program EPA Information Region: EPA Region 10 Grant Funding: $555,708 The Metlakatla Indian Community will implement an enhanced composting program that will aid efforts to close the Tribe's landfill, thus reducing emissions that contribute to climate change. Specifically, the Tribe will build a composting facility, buy equipment to operate that facility, and provide education and outreach through workshops. The Tribe also aims to establish an ordinance for commercial kitchens to provide food waste to the composting program. SWIFR Grants to Tribes and Intertribal Consortia The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides the largest EPA investment in recycling in 30 years to support National Recycling Strategy implementation and build a circular economy for all. As part of the Investing in America agenda, this funding supports improvements to waste management systems and programs, allowing resources to be used more efficiently and reducing the impact on the climate. SWIFR Tribal grant funding can be used to develop or update post-consumer materials management plans; establish or optimize collection and management of materials; fund infrastructure, technology, or other improvements to reduce contamination; enhance markets for recycled commodities; and increase the diversion, recycling rate, and quality of materials collected. These grants also advance the Justice^ Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to communities that have historically been underserved and overburdened by pollution. EPA will make the award to the Metlakatla Indian Community once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied. Highlights • Tracks food waste by weight to ascertain the total amount collected annually, strengthening data tracking efforts. • Uses finished compost and sells it to local growers for use in community gardens that produce food sold within the Tribe. https://www.ppa.gov/infrastructurp/SWIFR EPA 530-F-24-005-MIC August 2024 ------- |