Primavera Foundation has been awarded a $19.9M grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program for projects that will increase community resilience in the face of climate change.
The project will benefit disadvantaged communities in Tucson and South Tucson, which face inequitable challenges related to climate change.
“We are honored to bring additional resources into Tucson and South Tucson to increase community resilience in the face of climate change,” said Primavera CEO Tisha Tallman. “The resources will directly benefit disadvantaged and marginalized communities who are adversely and disproportionately impacted by climate change.”
“Along with our partnership sub-award recipients, including our statutory partner, the City of Tucson, we look forward to being a part of paving the way forward for a resilient Tucson and beyond,” Tallman said. “We thank Congressman Raúl Grijalva for his tireless advocacy and efforts to ensure all are considered and accounted for during these challenging climate times.”
The grant will enable the Primavera Foundation and partners, including the City of Tucson, to install rainwater harvesting systems, provide energy assessments and retrofits for energy efficiency to low-income households, and promote climate resilience and community health through education and outreach, remediating and mitigating sources of pollution in low-income neighborhoods.
“The City of Tucson is leading the way in addressing the climate crisis through bold investments in environmental justice,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “These funds will allow us to implement transformative solutions, particularly for communities disproportionately affected by climate change. Together, with trusted partners like the Primavera Foundation, we are ensuring a safe, more resilient future for Tucsonans. I extend my gratitude to the Biden-Harris Administration and our Congressional Delegation for this critical funding.”
“We are thrilled to be receiving a share of the $19.9 million EPA grant to help reduce energy costs for south Tucson’s most financially-strapped families and simultaneously making our community more environmentally-friendly,” said South Tucson Mayor Roxanna Valenzuela. “A big thank you to the Primavera Foundation for their important role in advocating for our community.”