Litter Control Grant Program

The Litter Control Grant Program is administered by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection through its Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan initiative. This program is designed to provide financial assistance to local governments for the development and support of litter control efforts. Funding for the program is derived from fines collected from violations of state litter laws, creating a direct link between enforcement and reinvestment in community cleanup and prevention initiatives. The program operates under State Rule 33CSR41, which establishes the framework, definitions, and administrative procedures governing the distribution and use of grant funds. The primary purpose of the Litter Control Grant is to support municipalities and county-level entities in initiating, maintaining, or expanding local litter control programs. These programs may include activities such as enforcement of anti-litter laws, public education campaigns, cleanup initiatives, and the development of recycling efforts. Funding can also be used for administrative and operational aspects of local litter programs, including staffing, travel for approved training or workshops, and research to identify and prioritize litter-related challenges. However, funds are restricted from being used for unrelated expenditures, including landscaping, landfill operations, or routine solid waste collection activities. The grant is structured as a one-to-one matching program, meaning that for every dollar contributed by the applicant, the Department may provide an equivalent amount in grant funding. Matching contributions may include both cash and in-kind services, such as volunteer labor or donated equipment, provided they are properly documented and valued according to program guidelines. This matching requirement ensures that local governments maintain financial investment and accountability in their programs while leveraging state support to maximize impact. Eligible applicants include local government entities within West Virginia, such as counties, municipalities, boards of education, and other public authorities. Applications must be submitted through the designated wvOASIS Vendor Self Service portal, and no alternative submission methods are accepted. Applicants are required to complete standardized forms, including a project description, budget estimates, and a formal resolution authorizing participation in the program. Additional documentation may be required depending on the nature of the proposed activities, such as certification for litter control officers if funding is requested for enforcement personnel. The application cycle follows a consistent annual timeline, with the grant period running from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Applications must be submitted by May 31 to be considered for the upcoming cycle. Awards are issued for a period not exceeding one year, and recipients must complete all project objectives within that timeframe. Final reporting is required by July 31 following the end of the grant period, including detailed accounts of expenditures, in-kind contributions, and program outcomes such as the volume of litter collected or materials recycled. Evaluation of applications is conducted by the Department based on compliance with program guidelines, completeness of the application, and the feasibility and relevance of the proposed activities. The Department reserves the right to limit funding based on the availability of resources within the Litter Control Fund. Additionally, recipients are subject to compliance monitoring, including potential audits and site inspections, to ensure proper use of funds and adherence to program requirements. Failure to comply may result in withdrawal of funding or required reimbursement. The Litter Control Grant Program is a recurring annual opportunity that supports local environmental stewardship efforts across West Virginia. By combining enforcement, education, and cleanup initiatives, the program aims to reduce litter, improve public health and safety, and promote community responsibility. Local governments are encouraged to monitor future announcements for upcoming application cycles and prepare submissions in advance to meet the established deadlines.

Ensure matching funds are clearly documented including in kind services; follow procurement and bidding requirements; submit all required forms and certifications including litter control officer training if applicable