Hi all. At the last meeting, we discussed getting an update on the scrap tire grant applications.  I touched base with Aaron Hiday who shared the following details to pass on:

 

·         This year we had a record number of applications (~ 65)

·         Due to DEQ restructuring, we did not have a dedicated scrap tire staff person for their review as we have had in past

·         Review of the applications is priority for us until they are all reviewed

·         We will announce the successful applicants as soon as possible once all applications have been reviewed

·         The DEQ cannot lawfully fund a grant for a collection that has already occurred before the grant was awarded and the grant contract executed

·          If the applicants are relying on the DEQ grant to fund for a collection, the collection should be postponed until the grant agreement is executed

·         If the date is to be postponed, the grant application need not be updated, as the dates can be updated when the grant agreement is finalized

·         If the date is postponed, it should not be scheduled beyond July due to the Sigma switch over

·         Anyone seeking information on the status of their application can call Aaron to ask the status (517-284-6580)

·         A few applications did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria or were submitted after the grant application deadline

·         This year we expect to award funding consistent with the expenditures previously made to support past collections so that we are able to fund all eligible applicants and support the greatest number of cleanups

 

Hopefully these details are helpful in moving forward with any scrap tire clean-ups you had planned!

 

Regards,

 

 

Christine Grossman, Compliance Assistance Specialist

Office of Public Affairs and Outreach, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

Direct Phone: 517-284-6860

Environmental Assistance Center: 1-800-662-9278 or deq-assist@michigan.gov