Port Offers Solar Power Project Funding

The Port of Long Beach is accepting concept papers for proposed solar power generation projects that qualify for funding under its award-winning Community Grants Program.

The Community Grants Program is a more than $46 million effort to fund projects that help those in the community who are most vulnerable to port-related impacts and reduce greenhouse gases. These projects are expanding asthma services, controlling stormwater runoff through the building of permeable parking lots, and creating open space buffers between port operations and communities, to name a few. Combined with a previous program started in 2009, the Port of Long Beach has set aside more than $65 million, making it the largest voluntary port mitigation initiative in the country. To date, $36.5 million has been committed.

Projects that receive grants will serve people most sensitive to port impacts, including seniors, pregnant women, children, and those with asthma or chronic illnesses. Public and private agencies are eligible to apply; home improvements are not eligible. To view the program’s relevant Facilities Improvements guidelines and the pre-solicitation workshop, go to www.polb.com/grantopportunities.

A total of $2 million in funding is available for the solicitation. Prospective applicants are required to describe proposed projects at a high level and program staff will determine project and applicant eligibility. Concept papers must be submitted online and are due by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23.

The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports, a gateway for trans-Pacific trade and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. With 175 shipping lines connecting Long Beach to 217 seaports, the Port handles $200 billion in trade annually, supporting more than 575,000 Southern California jobs.

Program Contact: Jennifer Williams, Environmental Specialist Associate, (562) 283-7133, grants@polb.com.