Somerville 2024 SMRP Award Letter — File 25-0860

Maura T. Healey Governor Kimberley Driscoll Lieutenant Governor Rebecca L. Tepper Secretary Bonnie Heiple Commissioner This information is available in alternate format. Please contact MassDEP at [phone removed]. TTY# MassRelay Service [phone removed] MassDEP Website: www.mass.gov/dep Printed on Recycled Paper December 17, 2024 Katjana Ballantyne Mayor City of Somerville 93 Highland Avenue Somerville, MA 02143 Dear Mayor Ballantyne: Congratulations! It is my pleasure to inform you that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has awarded the City of Somerville Recycling Dividends Program funds under the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program. The City of Somerville has earned 9 points and will receive $36,000. The Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) was created under 310 CMR 19.300-303 and the Green Communities Act, which directs a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Waste Energy Certificates to recycling programs approved by MassDEP. This year, we are awarding more than $4 million in SMRP funding to 285 municipalities and regional groups. Recycling programs play a vital role in limiting our dependence on landfills and incinerators, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting economic activity in the Commonwealth. Recycling Dividend Program funds foster investment in local programs including recycling equipment, organics diversion, outreach and education, pilot programs, school recycling, toxics reduction, and more. Please refer to the RDP Approved Expenses List for more information. MassDEP has invested in developing nationally recognized tools to assist municipalities with reducing recycling contamination and improving public awareness of smart recycling practices. We encourage you to utilize the Recycling IQ Kit and Recycle Smart MA website and to consult with your MassDEP Municipal Assistance Coordinator for assistance in implementing these best practices. To accept your grant award, please sign and return the attached RDP Contract via email to Cathy Doodnauth at Cathy.Doodnauth@mass.gov before February 15, 2025. After we receive your signed RDP contract, funds will be sent to your community. The receipt of grant funds is contingent upon the grantee being able to certify that it will comply with the Massachusetts General Laws, including G.L. c. 40A, § 3A, the MBTA Communities Act. Compliance with the MBTA Communities Act is determined by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Should you have any questions, please email Rachel Smith at Rachel.Smith@mass.gov. Thank you for your continued commitment to recycling and waste reduction in Massachusetts. Sincerely, Bonnie Heiple, Commissioner