Cool pavement solutions are about to become even more accessible across the U.S., thanks to new legislation that recently passed. Last fall, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law. However, the $1.2 billion in funds couldn’t be made available until Congress approved an appropriation for the measure, which was eventually accomplished in March. Now that this measure has been funded, communities across the country will be able to make repairs and upgrades to their infrastructure systems. Projects will include repairing and replacing aging highways, bridges, roads, and water and wastewater systems. In addition, the funds will also be invested in environmental causes, including tackling climate change.
One such program that’s taking on the challenge is the Healthy Streets Program, which will work toward reducing flooding, improving air quality, and mitigating the urban heat island effects within low-income communities. This innovative program, which has received $500 million in funding over five years, will provide grants to state and local governments and nonprofits to expand tree cover and deploy smart surfaces, including cool pavements and porous pavements. Smart surfaces are surfaces that can more effectively manage the sun and rain.
According to Davey Tree, the Healthy Streets Program will allow municipalities to “do the double duty of creating safer roadways for the members of their communities who need it most while expanding their urban forest in low-canopy areas.”
As for the grants, the federal share is 80%, unless a community can prove a hardship, which would qualify them for 100%, with a maximum grant award of $15 million per project. Grant applications are being accepted now. If you have questions or need assistance with your application, Davey Resource Group, Inc. has grant writing experts that can help ensure you get the most funding possible.
For any questions about cool pavement and how it can benefit your community as part of the Healthy Streets Program, CoolSeal by GuardTop is ready to help. Our innovative, solar-activated engineering delivers a higher-performing, longer-lasting asphalt sealcoat for your community. Not only will CoolSeal reduce surface temperatures, but it will also preserve and protect your surfaces for years to come. Get in touch today to find out how CoolSeal can help your community fight urban heat islands and tackle climate change one road at a time.
