Lee County, Collaboratory Awarded a $19.3M Grant From the EPA.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Lee County and Collaboratory a Community Change Grant of more than $19.3 million over a three-year grant period to help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental challenges related to disaster preparedness.

This funding will increase community resilience, reduce pollution and build community capacity, county officials said. The project will invest in four organizations to create the foundation of a network of community resilience hubs to support residents during emergencies, such as hurricanes.

Resilience hubs are locations that provide supplies or social services residents need every day. These spaces can transition in a disaster to provide critical information, emergency support and health supplies to the surrounding communities. Collaboratory, Franklin Park Elementary School, IMAG History & Science Center and Pine Manor Community Center are hubs planned to be used as the blueprint for the countywide network of hubs.

Along with community partners, the project will build the capacity of local organizations providing resilience services, help communities develop emergency plans, and equip the hubs with adequate supplies. It is intended to expand and improve the county’s emergency response planning and implementation network to support an all-of-community response during and after a severe event.

Stormwater and infrastructure improvements along Ten Mile Canal are also part of the project as are workforce development programs focused on the construction sector to support the construction of energy-efficient and resilient homes in the region.