§6986 Grants for resource recovery systems and improved solid waste disposal facilities

Summary

The Administrator can give money to a State, city, or regional agency to try out resource recovery systems or to build new or better places to dispose of solid waste. Demo projects must fit required solid-waste plans and follow guidelines in section 6907. They must serve whole areas, follow the Administrator’s rules, and include a fair way for users to share construction, operation, and maintenance costs. The federal share for demo projects cannot be more than 75 percent, and it can include the first year’s operation and maintenance costs. Grants to build or improve disposal facilities must be in an area covered by an adopted state or interstate plan, be part of a satisfactory local comprehensive plan, follow the guidelines in section 6907, and use new or improved methods to reduce environmental harm, recover energy or materials, or recycle. The federal share is up to 50 percent for a project serving only one municipality and up to 75 percent otherwise. The Administrator must make rules for how grants are awarded, require deadlines, and consider public benefit, economic viability, wider usefulness, and regional planning. Grants only cover the federal portion of design and construction costs (and the first year’s operation cost for demos), cannot pay for land or ongoing operations (except as allowed), and won’t be made until the applicant shows plans for proper operation and maintenance. No more than 15 percent of the yearly funds can go to projects in any one State, and the Administrator will set rules for projects that span more than one State.