Regional Solid Waste Grants Program

Regional Solid Waste Grants Program Program to provide grants to regional councils of governments to fund solid waste management activities and various local and regional projects that help implement solid waste management plans. On this page: General Information Regional Coordination and Planning Pass-Through Grant Program Regional Solid Waste Grants Program Funding Report Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant Regional Solid Waste Management Plans Contact the Waste Permits Division General Information In accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC) 361.014 grants are awarded to regional and local governments for municipal solid waste (MSW) management projects through the state's Regional Solid Waste Grants Program. The TCEQ is directed by the Legislature to dedicate one-third of the revenue generated by state fees on MSW disposed of at landfills to grants for regional and local MSW projects. The TCEQ allocates the funds to the state's 24 councils of governments (COGs) based on a formula that takes into account waste fee generation, and public health needs. The COGs use the funds to develop and maintain an inventory of closed MSW landfills conduct regional coordination and planning activities, maintain a regional solid waste management plan, and administer pass-through grant programs to provide funding for regional and local MSW projects. Regional Coordination and Planning The TCEQ will continue funding for the COGs to maintain a regional coordination and planning role, in addition to the COGs' role in administering pass-through funding for local and regional implementation projects. The coordination and planning activities include: maintaining the COG's regional solid waste management plan; maintaining a solid waste advisory committee; providing technical assistance and informational programs pertaining to solid waste management; serving as a central point of contact for solid waste management training programs; and reviewing permit and registration applications for municipal solid waste facilities for conformance with the adopted regional solid waste management plan for that region. The COG may also propose additional coordination activities to support the goals and objectives of their regional solid waste management plan. The COGs may conduct additional solid waste management data collection efforts and analyses to maintain current data and information concerning the status of municipal solid waste management activities in the region. Pass-Through Grant Program Who to Contact for Further Information Eligible Applicants Eligible Project Categories Supplemental Funding Standards Typically, COGs begin a pass-through grant application process in the spring of each year. Local governments interested in applying for funding should start planning early for the next funding cycle. Specific funding schedules are available through each COG. The types of projects that may be funded with these grants may vary from region to region, depending on the priorities identified in the regional plans. All projects must be consistent with the regional solid waste management plans prepared by the COGs and approved by the TCEQ. Also, projects funded with these grants must promote cooperation between public and private entities and may not be otherwise readily available or create a competitive advantage over a private industry that provides recycling or solid waste services. Who to Contact for Further Information Local governments interested in receiving more information about applying for pass-through grant funds within a particular planning region should contact the COG representing the county in which the local government is located or the TCEQ Waste Permits Division . Another source of information is the Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC)