Local governments receive $8.3M in grants from EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected two local governments from Region 8—which serves Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 28 tribal nations—to receive more than $8.3 million in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grants to improve postconsumer materials management and infrastructure.  

The EPA selected Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District in Utah to receive more than $3.4 million and Rapid City, South Dakota, to receive more than $4.9 million. 

“I am proud to announce Region 8’s selectees of the SWIFR grants, emphasizing our commitment to fostering local economic growth,” says Cyrus Western, EPA regional administrator. “By empowering local governments with the resources they need, we are enhancing recycling infrastructure while creating valuable jobs and proving that environmental protection and economic growth go hand-in-hand.” 

The EPA says Rapid City will use the SWIFR grant funding to open a new commercial recycling program and update equipment, which will double recycling rates and improve the quality of materials collected.  

“I’m grateful EPA has chosen Rapid City to receive this SWIFR grant funding,” says U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD). “This will help Rapid City continue to provide quality waste management to its residents and keep South Dakota clean.” 

The EPA says Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District will use the SWIFR grant funding to expand a compost facility, fund curbside organics collection receptacles for local cities and implement new education and outreach activities to increase public participation.  

RELATED: Kansas City, Missouri, to receive $5M grant from EPA 

"I am grateful for the EPA’s commitment to empowering local governments like Davis County to lead with innovation in all aspects, even our waste,” says U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT). “This grant will help the Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District invest in our community through enhanced compost education and collection, and I look forward to seeing this grant’s positive impact throughout Davis County." 

Rapid City and Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District are among 17 local governments selected to receive funding through the SWIFR grants for political subdivisions program. The EPA says more than 300 local governments applied for $58 million in grant funds under this program. 

The SWIFR grant program funds enhancements to local recycling programs and assists waste management authorities in upgrading their systems. For more information on SWIFR grants or the other recipients, please visit the EPA's SWIFR website.