The US EPA has selected Durham County to receive a $3,313,200 grant to renovate and redesign the Redwood Convenience Site in Eastern Durham County to address the increase in resident use, improve sustainability measures and stormwater infrastructure, and expand service offerings. The site is one of three in the county but the only location directly serving historically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Funding will enable immense investment in recycling infrastructure for these neighborhoods.
Through their participation in Central Pines Regional Council’s (CPRC) Grant Assistance Program, Durham County partnered with CPRC staff to develop and submit the project to the newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity that was established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Only 25 projects were selected nationwide, and Durham County was the only recipient in North Carolina. CPRC Executive Director Lee Worsley stated, “CPRC’s mission is to assist our local government members, like Durham County. I am proud of the wonderful work of our CPRC staff and appreciate the support from Durham County Government as we worked through the grant details.”
“Through the Convenience for All project, the EPA will help Durham County meet our goal to address much-needed equipment and operational investments in our solid waste infrastructure at the Redwood Convenience Site. We are particularly excited to note that this project provides much needed solid waste improvements to historically underserved neighborhoods in the unincorporated areas of eastern Durham County. The $3.3 million grant supports our goal to administer safe, efficient, and effective solid waste services to County residents while protecting the natural environment,” said Durham County Board of County Commissioners Chair, Brenda Howerton.