Solid Waste Management Board Grant Program

The West Virginia Solid Waste Management Board administers a recurring grant funding opportunity designed to support county and regional solid waste authorities across the state. The Board operates under statutory authority to improve solid waste handling, environmental protection, and recycling infrastructure in West Virginia. Through this program, the Board allocates funds annually to eligible authorities to advance projects that align with state solid waste management goals, including waste reduction, recycling, facility improvements, and public education. The purpose of this grant program is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of solid waste collection, processing, recycling, and disposal systems. Projects funded under this opportunity must align with the applicant’s Comprehensive Litter and Solid Waste Control Plan and Commercial Solid Waste Facility Siting Plan. The Board prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate measurable reductions in the solid waste stream, improve environmental outcomes, and provide cost-effective solutions for waste management challenges. Preference may also be given to projects that can be implemented quickly and those involving regional collaboration among multiple authorities. Funding may be used for a broad range of allowable expenses, including the purchase of equipment, vehicles, bins, and containers; operational and maintenance costs; utilities; contracted services; consulting fees; public education and outreach efforts; and improvements to property or infrastructure. Personnel-related expenses are permitted but are capped at 20 percent of the total grant award available to each applicant. Certain restrictions apply, including prohibitions on reimbursing prior expenses, passing funds through to third parties, or funding activities already supported by other dedicated grant programs. Additionally, grant funds cannot be used for lobbying activities or for projects that violate existing private sector service arrangements. Eligibility is limited to county or regional solid waste authorities in West Virginia that are in compliance with applicable state codes and have current, approved planning documents. Authorities must also ensure that any facilities associated with proposed projects comply with all federal and state laws. Applications must include detailed project descriptions, budgets, required forms, and supporting documentation, including resolutions authorizing the application and certifications such as compliance with drug-free workplace requirements. Applications must be submitted electronically through the West Virginia Vendor Self Service portal. All required forms must be completed and uploaded for the application to be considered complete. Incomplete submissions are not reviewed and must be corrected and resubmitted before the deadline. The application package includes components such as a program overview, narrative justification, budget request, personnel details, and compliance certifications. The Board evaluates applications based on criteria such as project impact, cost-effectiveness, public involvement, and alignment with statutory responsibilities. The application deadline for the fiscal year cycle is April 30, 2026. Applications received by this date are considered for review at the Board’s July meeting. Applicants are notified in writing of approval or denial following Board review. The grant period typically spans up to one year, with the possibility of a limited extension. Funds are generally disbursed in two installments, contingent on progress reporting and expenditure tracking. Grant recipients must adhere to strict reporting and compliance requirements, including maintaining financial records, submitting semi-annual and final reports, and participating in mandatory grant management training prior to receiving funds. Recipients are also required to maintain separate financial accounts for grant funds and ensure proper documentation of all expenditures. Failure to comply with reporting or implementation requirements may result in grant withdrawal or ineligibility for future funding cycles. The program is offered annually, providing ongoing opportunities for eligible authorities to seek funding for solid waste management initiatives.

Prioritize projects that align with approved waste management plans, demonstrate cost effectiveness, and can be implemented quickly; ensure all required forms are complete and justified in the narrative