PORTLAND, Maine — The University of Southern Maine is one of nine institutions in the country selected to receive U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funding to confront challenges of climate adaptation, sea level rise, water infrastructure planning and more.
The award renews funding for the New England Environmental Finance Center, which is housed at USM’s Muskie School of Public Service. The NEEFC dates back to 2001, and works with municipalities, private and public institutions on environmental policy, protection and management issues.
The dollar value of the six-year grant isn’t yet known, but President Barack Obama’s budget for fiscal year 2016 requests an allocation of $2 million for the entire grant program, though the funding hinges on the congressional budget process, according to a USM news release.
“The University of Southern Maine is committed to strong community support and engagement, and the New England Environmental Finance Center embodies that philosophy in the programs they implement throughout New England,” USM President Glenn Cummings said in the release.
The center works with state and local tribes and governments to develop infrastructure financing plans, air pollution reduction efforts, water conservation, and to spark “green” jobs and businesses.
The other schools receiving grants will be: Syracuse University; University of Maryland; University of North Carolina; Michigan Technical University; University of New Mexico; Wichita State University; Rural Community Assistance Corporation, Spokane, Washington; and California State University, Sacramento, California.
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