The Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program
Program Update
2007/08 List of projects recommended for funding and the substitution list have been submitted to Caltrans. The lists will be published during the next CTC meeting in March with final funding approval to come in April.
2008/09 Solicitation period is anticipated shortly after the Governor signs the budget authorizing funds for EEM. Solicitation period may last for 30 to 60 days with Final Environmental documents due early 2009.
The Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program (EEMP) was established by the Legislature in 1989. It offers a total of $10 million each year for grants to local, state, and federal governmental agencies and to nonprofit organizations for projects to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by new or modified state transportation facilities. Eligible projects must be directly or indirectly related to the environmental impact of the modification of an existing transportation facility (CA Constitution, Art. XIX, Sec.1) or construction of a new transportation facility. Grants are awarded in three categories:
Highway Landscape and Urban Forestry -- Projects designed improve air quality through the planting of trees and other suitable plants.
Resource Lands -- Projects for the acquisition, restoration, or enhancement of watersheds, wildlife habitat, wetlands, forests, or other natural areas.
Roadside Recreational -- Projects for the acquisition and/or development of roadside recreational opportunities.
Program Procedures and Criteria, including specific application dates and funding limits, are published by the Resources Agency each year. The Resources Agency evaluates project proposals and provides a list of recommended projects to the California Transportation Commission (CTC) for consideration. The Department of Transportation (Caltrans) administers the approved grant agreements.
Please address any EEM Questions to:
The Resources Agency
Attn: EEM Program Coordinator
1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 654-9923
Fax: (916) 653-8102
Email:
eemcoordinator@resources.ca.gov
