Asbestos Hazard Assessment Grant

The Technical Assistance Program (TAP) is administered by the Oregon Department of Education as part of its broader effort to support school facility planning, safety, and regulatory compliance across K-12 districts and education service districts (ESDs) in the state. TAP provides targeted financial assistance to help districts better understand and address infrastructure needs, particularly those related to long-term capital improvements, environmental hazards, and structural safety. The program is designed to ensure that districts can make informed decisions about facility investments while maintaining compliance with state and federal requirements. Through a series of specialized grants, TAP supports assessments that are often prerequisites for larger capital funding opportunities. One of the specific grant offerings under TAP is the Asbestos Hazard Assessment Grant. This grant is intended to help school districts comply with the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), which mandates regular inspection, monitoring, and management of asbestos-containing materials in school buildings. The grant reimburses districts for eligible costs associated with asbestos inspections, three-year re-inspections, periodic surveillance activities, staff training related to asbestos awareness and oversight, and improvements to record-keeping systems, including upgrades to digital or web-based platforms. By offsetting these costs, the program reduces financial barriers to compliance and promotes safer learning environments. Funding for the Asbestos Hazard Assessment Grant is provided on a reimbursement basis, with districts eligible to receive up to 25525 dollars per assessment. Applicants must initially incur the costs and then submit appropriate documentation, including invoices, to the Oregon Department of Education for reimbursement. The grant does not specify a minimum award amount, but reimbursement is capped at the stated ceiling. There is no indication of a matching requirement, meaning districts are not required to contribute a specific percentage of project costs beyond expenses exceeding the reimbursement cap. The funding supports a defined set of allowable uses strictly aligned with AHERA compliance activities. Eligibility for this grant is limited to Oregon school districts and education service districts. Each district is permitted to submit one application per assessment type, ensuring equitable distribution of funding opportunities across eligible entities. The application process requires districts to provide detailed information about their current compliance status, including whether they need to conduct required inspections or provide staff training. Applicants must also designate a point of contact and an authorized representative who can legally bind the district to the terms of the grant agreement. Certification statements within the application confirm the district’s understanding of reimbursement procedures, legal compliance obligations, and data reporting requirements. The application process is conducted through an online form and includes a series of required questions related to district needs, contact information, and compliance status. Applications for the 2026 cycle are accepted from January 15, 2026, at 8:00 AM through February 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The Oregon Department of Education evaluates applications using a preference point system that incorporates data from the application itself, the State School Fund, and internal facilities data collections. Applicants are encouraged to consult the program’s Frequently Asked Questions and eligibility tracking tools to better understand scoring criteria and improve their submissions. Following submission, districts must execute a formal grant agreement before any funds are disbursed. The program requires adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing procurement, auditing, and financial management. Additionally, recipients must update relevant facility data in the Oregon Department of Education’s database as a condition of funding. While the timeline for award notification is not explicitly stated, the structured application window and evaluation process suggest a defined review period following the close date. The Technical Assistance Program operates on a recurring annual cycle, with application periods typically opening in mid-January and closing in mid-February. This predictable schedule allows districts to plan ahead for compliance activities and align their applications with broader capital planning efforts. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact Leanna Heiman at the Oregon Department of Education via phone or email. Overall, the TAP Asbestos Hazard Assessment Grant serves as a critical resource for ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining safe school environments throughout Oregon.

Ensure accurate reporting of compliance status and facility data, as preference points are calculated using application data and state datasets; clearly demonstrate need for inspections or training to improve scoring