County Environmental Health Act Grants

The County Environmental Health Act Grants program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, a state agency responsible for safeguarding natural resources, protecting public health, and ensuring environmental compliance across the state. This program operates under the authority of the County Environmental Health Act and related statutory provisions, which authorize the Department to collaborate with certified local health agencies to deliver environmental health services. The program reflects a long-standing partnership model in which local agencies implement state-directed environmental initiatives within their jurisdictions. The primary purpose of this funding is to support environmental health services carried out by certified local health agencies on behalf of the Department. These services typically include regulatory inspections, environmental monitoring, public health interventions, and enforcement activities aligned with state environmental priorities. The scope of funding is tied to work plans that must be approved under applicable administrative codes, ensuring that all funded activities directly support the Department’s environmental health objectives and statutory mandates. Funding availability is dependent on state appropriations, meaning that the total program funding and individual award amounts may vary from year to year based on legislative allocations. Grants are awarded annually, and participating agencies are generally required to provide a matching contribution equal to one hundred percent of the state’s designated funds. However, an exception exists for pilot projects or elective programs, which may be funded without a matching requirement. This structure ensures both local investment and flexibility for innovative or exploratory initiatives. Eligibility for the program is strictly limited to certified local health agencies that have obtained the required certification under the governing statute. In addition to certification, applicants must maintain an approved work plan that complies with regulatory requirements. This ensures that only qualified entities with demonstrated capacity and regulatory alignment are able to access funding, thereby maintaining program integrity and effectiveness. The application process requires certified local health agencies to participate in a grant conference or meeting and to submit a countywide Environmental Health Assessment and Improvement Plan. This plan serves as the central application component and outlines the agency’s proposed activities, priorities, and expected outcomes. The process is structured to ensure coordination between the Department and local agencies, as well as consistency in program implementation across counties. The program operates on a rolling application and notification basis, allowing agencies to engage with the funding opportunity on an ongoing basis rather than adhering to a fixed annual deadline. While grants are awarded annually, the rolling structure provides flexibility in timing and supports continuous program operations. Notification of awards is also conducted on a rolling basis, enabling timely communication of funding decisions. For additional information or to request an application, interested agencies may contact the program manager within the Bureau of Local Environmental Management and Right to Know. Contact details, including email, phone number, and mailing address, are provided to facilitate direct communication. This ensures that eligible applicants have access to guidance and support throughout the application process and program participation lifecycle.