Press Releases
10/21/2024
DEEP Seeks Comment on Draft Proposal for DEEP Community Resource Hubs
Hubs Will Enhance Outreach and Expand Access to Beneficial Services in Environmental Justice Communities; Comments on Draft RFQ Accepted Until 3 p.m. on Nov. 18
(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today released a draft Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and a notice of an opportunity for public comment on its proposal to partner, through multi-year contracts, with qualified organizations to serve as Community Resource Hubs in Environmental Justice (EJ) communities across the state, whether urban or rural. The draft RFQ outlines a new initiative aimed at enhancing DEEP’s outreach, facilitating community engagement in program design, and improving access to beneficial environmental and energy programs and services. This initiative is part of DEEP’s ongoing effort to ensure equitable access to environmental and energy programs, grants, and services, particularly in communities historically overburdened by environmental challenges.
This work reflects not only DEEP’s aspiration to advance environmental justice and equity in its program design but also its obligation to meet certain targets established by the legislature under Connecticut statutes, regulations, and policies, and federal program requirements including the Justice40 initiative, which mandates that 40 percent of the overall benefits from certain federal programs administered by DEEP benefit communities marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
DEEP is seeking feedback from stakeholders, including DEEP’s Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council members, community members and potential partners, to refine the RFQ before finalizing it. Comments are invited on all aspects of the draft, including the role of Community Resource Hubs and the services provided, to ensure the RFQ reflects the needs of EJ communities.
“We want to ensure that environmental justice communities have the opportunities to engage fully in the development and implementation of the services they need,” said Katie Dykes, Commissioner of DEEP. “Seeking public input for this proposal to establish Community Resource Hubs is part of our commitment to ensure that our programs truly serve those who need them most. We encourage feedback to ensure this process is as effective as possible.”
As proposed, the selected Community Resource Hub partner or partners would facilitate:
- effective community access to state and federal resources and funding administered by DEEP
- education programs and informational sharing regarding initiatives associated with DEEP's mission
- community access to and participation in DEEP events and opportunities
- community participation in workforce development and business creation opportunities associated with DEEP programs
Hubs will also be equipped to provide essential resources, including technical assistance, to ensure residents have the tools they need to participate fully in beneficial environmental and energy initiatives.
Key Details:
Notice of Draft RFQ and Opportunity for Comment: 10/21/2024
- Public comment period: 10/21/2024 to 11/18/2024
- Comment submission: Comments can be submitted via EMAIL to DEEP.EJ@ct.gov through 3:00 pm EDT; November 18, 2024
- Final RFQ release date: 12/5/2024
- The draft RFQ and future RFQ materials will be translated and posted in Spanish on the Community Hubs webpage. Also note that DEEP webpages can be translated into other languages by clicking the “language + settings” widget on the top right corner of a webpage.
- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110