Freshwater Future Weekly: February 24, 2023
This Week: Tools and Tips for Helping Your Community Access Federal Water Funds; Spring Project Grant Applications Due March 31st; Update on the East Palestine Train Derailment; Big House 5k Race Almost at Capacity – Register Today!
Tools and Tips for Helping Your Community Access Federal Water Funds
Mark your calendar for the upcoming virtual All About Water Convening on April 4th from 9:30 AM – Noon EST. This event will feature expert speakers on accessing the billions of federal dollars flowing through programs called State Revolving Funds. We will discuss how to ensure community voices are included when planning these projects, ensuring local contractors are utilized and how to connect these issues to community action to ensure unprecedented water infrastructure funding reaches the communities that need it the most. All About Water is a collaboration of community groups that work to further water policies focused on improving access, quality and affordability of drinking water. Event registration will be available soon!
Spring Project Grant Applications Due March 31st!
Freshwater Future Spring Project Grants provide funding ranging from $500 to $5,000 (USD) for grassroots projects that promote water protection through advocacy efforts. Think you have a project that needs funding? Freshwater Future is here to help. Contact Laurie Breighner [email protected] to check your eligibility, help with your application or to ask questions. Visit our website to see past grant projects and learn more about our grant programs at freshwaterfuture.org/grant-programs/. You can also view the recording of our recent Q&A grant webinar. Application deadline is March 31st!
Update on the East Palestine Train Derailment
It’s been three weeks since a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, spilling hazardous chemicals into the soil and local waters. Although residents have been told by state and federal authorities that their air, homes, and water are safe, there are significant concerns regarding short- and long-term health and environmental impacts. The disaster response is shifting now from state to federal control, marked by this week’s legally binding EPA order to the railway company to conduct and pay for the cleanup. Visit our dedicated page for additional resources.
Big House 5k Race Almost at Capacity – Register Today!
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Registration for the University of Michigan Athletics’ Big House 5k Race on April 16th, 2023 is limited to 10,000 attendees, and over 80% of spots have already been filled! Freshwater Future has been chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the race this year. The run/walk course travels through campus and finishes on the field of the revered University of Michigan football stadium, the Big House. Register now at mgoblue.com/bighouse5K before the registration price increases from $38 to $48 on March 1st. Can’t join the race in person? Consider a donation to support the Freshwater Future Staff Team.
