(1) Statutory Authority: O.C.G.A. 12-8-27.1 and O.C.G.A. 12-8-37.1
(2) General Scope and Purpose. The purpose of this grant is to provide financing to the entities described in O.C.G.A 12-8-37.1 for the purposes identified in that Code section.
(3) General Terms and Conditions of the Grant. The terms and conditions of the grant are:
(a) Grants will be made to entities identified as eligible in O.C.G.A 12-8-37.1 to support projects that further the purposes of the Solid Waste Trust Fund as described in that Code section including: the cleanup of solid waste disposal facilities, including those used for the disposal of scrap tires; the development and implementation of solid waste enforcement programs for the prevention and abatement of illegal dumping of solid waste, including without limitation the prevention and abatement of litter; the funding of grants or loans, in accordance with procedures developed by the division; the implementation of innovative technologies for the recycling and reuse of solid waste, including without limitation scrap tires; and/or for educational and other efforts to promote waste reduction, recycling, and recycling market development.
(b) Grants will be awarded each year subject to the amount of funds available that year to support the Solid Waste Trust Fund Grant Program. Eligible applicants may apply for any amount up to the maximum available in that year.
(c) The grant may pay up to 100% of project costs, subject to available funding, maximum limitations, and match requirements.
(d) Further terms and conditions for the Solid Waste Trust Fund Grant Program may be described in publications on the Environmental Protection Division's website at:
https://epd.georgia.gov/about-us/land-protection-branch(4) Eligible Recipients. Eligible recipients of competitive grants are those described as eligible in 12-8-37.1. Local governments also must be designated by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs as having Qualified Local Government Status, in compliance with the requirements of the Georgia Planning Act of 1989, to be eligible.
(5) Criteria for the Award.
(a) The following minimum eligibility criteria apply to all grant applications:
1. The application must describe the need, purpose, and objective of the proposed activity.
2. The application must include details regarding the specific activities or categories of activities to be carried out with grant assistance.
3. The application must include a detailed budget outlining all anticipated sources of project funding as well a detailed line-item estimate of all expenses.
4. The application must include a detailed project schedule including start date, completion date and intermediate milestones.
5. The application must describe how the projects for which grant funds are requested support the Solid Waste Trust Fund purposes identified in O.C.G.A. 12-8-37.1.
(b) Applications may be prioritized for funding based on the following additional criteria:
1. A clear demonstration of the need for the project in the proposed affected community(ies).
2. Community investment has been established through a documented financial or in-kind match.
3. The steps for project implementation are adequately identified and, if followed, are likely to result in the achievement of the outlined goals and objectives.
4. The project description includes clear metrics for success that are appropriate and, if achieved, will have a significant impact on achieving the Solid Waste Trust Fund purposes as described in 12-8-37.1.
5. The project is cost effective, and the benefits are likely to be sustainable.
(c) Applications may be assigned bonus points in the prioritization assessment for:
1. Projects that use Georgia-based suppliers for products and services.
2. Regional or multi-jurisdictional project proposals jointly submitted by two or more local governments.
3. Demonstrating coordination with the local solid waste management plan or other recycling, waste reduction and/or diversion projects and activities.
4. Bringing together new resources or innovative approaches to recycling, waste reduction, and diversion.
5. Applicants that have or who have partners for the proposed project who have "buy recycled" ordinances, policies, practices, and procedures.
6. Project proposals that demonstrate additional environmental benefits including, but not limited to, water conservation, emissions reduction, and energy conservation.
(6) Directions and Deadlines for Applying. Awards will be made annually as funds allow and deadlines will vary. Requests for information and applications should be directed to the:
Environmental Protection Division
Recovered Materials Program
4244 International Parkway, Suite 104
Atlanta, Georgia 30354
Phone (404) 362-2537
