An article in Fast Company highlights how schools are addressing inequalities and funding shortfalls by rebuilding crumbling schools with the help of federal funding.
By tapping into funding sources and incentives found in the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, schools can defray the costs of all manner of infrastructure investments that can help improve their resiliency and save money. Organizations such as Undaunted K12 are pushing schools to take advantage of the nation’s largest clean energy investment; of the roughly 13,000 districts in the U.S., just a couple dozen have applied so far.
According to the article, Heather Dietzel, Milwaukee Public School’s Facilities and Maintenance sustainability project manager, says schools in her district are applying for every benefit and reimbursement that they can get. For instance, the district has roughly 142 school sites mostly covered in asphalt, which reflects heat, increases the urban heat island effect, and prevents stormwater drainage. Dietzel’s team, together with local nonprofit Reflo, is applying for IRA funding to help rip up that asphalt and add grass and plants to improve climate resiliency.
Related stories:
Unlock Federal Funding for Clean Energy Projects: Explore the New Climate Program Portal!
