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Memphis, TN. - The Riverview-Kansas community is receiving some much needed environmental support by way of grassroots organizations selected to implement clean and green initiatives targeting the area. Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton today presented seven environmental enhancement grants - collectively totaling $150,000 - for public health education, training and outreach projects.
Funding for these one-time grants comes from the 2007 settlement of an enforcement action for alleged Clean Air Act violations reached between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Premcor Refining Group, Inc. (now owned by Valero Energy Corporation). In addition to underwriting projects to help communities address air quality and other environmental concerns, the consent decree called for new and upgraded refinery equipment designed to considerably reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulates, volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide.
"These grants represent an excellent opportunity for the Riverview-Kansas community, with active participation from the health department and Valero, to be proactively engaged in efforts promoting environmental health and vibrant growth in their neighborhood," said Mayor Wharton. "We are optimistic that the initiatives implemented through these grants will motivate residents to continue with a clean and green lifestyle long after the grants have ended."
"The Valero Memphis Refinery is pleased to have been able to support these worthy causes as part of the Global Consent Decree. These organizations support our communities and make them better places to live," added Lisa Wheeler, Valero Memphis Refinery Public Affairs Manager.
The Air Quality Improvement Branch (AQIB) of the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department will oversee the thorough execution and expected outcomes of each environmental grant. The grants are specifically designed to promote education and improvement of air quality; encourage neighborhood clean-up and beautification; enhance and preserve natural resources; alleviate local environmental or public health issues; and promote utilization of parks and public spaces in the Riverview-Kansas community.
"The Health Department is proud to play a role in helping bridge a renewed relationship between local and federal government, industry and the community by facilitating these environmental enhancement grants," said Yvonne Madlock, Memphis and Shelby County Health Department Director.
In 2008, AQIB issued a formal request for grant applications. Seven applications were singled-out for their direct, grassroots plans and approaches. All grant award recipients are required to fully implement projects by December 31, 2009.
Environmental enhancement projects selected by the Wharton administration include:
Riverview Collaborative Neighborhood Association - $65,000
Develop a community website, coordinate a Traveling Summer Day Camp, coordinate a geographic information system (GIS) mapping project, and organize community projects to utilized neighborhood parks and public spaces.
Creative Life Inc. - $20,000
Plan and implement Camp Destiny, a summer enrichment camp and after school program for children and youth designed to educate and promote healthy lifestyles; create and promote community pride through neighborhood clean-up ventures; and explore neighborhood parks and libraries.
Memphis Challenge Inc. - $20,000
Organize a community-wide health fair, Healthy Minds + Bodies = Healthy HOMES, to create public awareness, provide education and health screenings and other valuable public health resources to neighborhood residents.
35 Ward Civic Club, Precincts 2 & 3 - $15,000
Organize and plan Clean Memphis Now - a neighborhood clean-up and beautification initiative designed to empower and engage youth to take responsibility for environmental cleanliness and safety.
Memphis Area Neighborhood Development Corporation - $15,000
Plan and implement a day-long Environment Awareness Community Fair designed to empower and encourage area residents to take action regarding environmental issues; create their own environmental dialogue forums; build collaborations to address environmental issues and celebrate the positive attributes of the community.
Mallory Heights Community Association - $10,000
Develop and implement an anti-litter campaign - Take Back Our Community - to create changes in attitude and behavior regarding litter and its impact on the community; coordinate an environmental awareness community picnic to promote proactive communication between residents and Valero; and produce and distribute a quarterly environmental update newsletter to provide current information on public health activities and resources.
Community Development Council - $5,000
Coordinate an environmental workshop - Recognizing Environmental Assets and Liabilities (REAL) - to create an understanding of what makes a community viable and sustainable; and build a resident network promoting cohesive and proactive community action.
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