Press Release
☷USDA Urban and Community Forestry Program Award to Spur New Tree Cover Near Urban Congregations
U.S. Department of Agriculture ( By Press Release office)
Jan 24,2024
| 9| 1
Today , Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Church Of God In Christ ( COGIC ) will receive a $1 million award from the U . S . Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program . This money will help church leaders plant trees , increase access to green spaces , and support the local workforce in the communities they serve . Secretary Vilsack made this announcement at the church’s annual leadership conference , expressing gratitude to the church leaders for their partnership with the USDA Forest Service . The Urban and Community Forestry program aims to connect communities with resources that promote a healthy environment . This award will specifically address the impact of extreme heat on marginalized communities , where tree cover is often lacking . The Church Of God In Christ is excited to be selected as a beneficiary of this program and looks forward to engaging in tree planting initiatives and creating more green areas . The Urban and Community Forestry Program received $1 billion in funding in 2023 , thanks to President Biden ' s Inflation Reduction Act . This funding will support 385 grant proposals from organizations across the country . Trees have been shown to have numerous benefits , including improved health , reduced crime rates , and economic opportunities for communities . The funding will directly support fair access to the benefits of trees and provide real economic and ecological advantages to urban and Tribal communities all across the country . You can find more information about the funded proposals and grant program announcements on the Urban and Community Forestry Program webpage . If you want to learn more about the historic Inflation Reduction Act , check out the White House Fact Sheet: One Year In , President Biden ' s Inflation Reduction Act is Driving Historic Climate Action and Investing in America to Create Good Paying Jobs and Reduce Costs . USDA positively impacts the lives of all Americans every day in many ways . Under the Biden - Harris Administration , USDA is transforming America ' s food system , focusing on resilient local and regional food production , fairer markets for producers , ensuring access to safe and healthy food for all communities , building new markets and income streams for farmers and producers using climate smart practices , making significant investments in rural infrastructure and clean energy capabilities , and promoting equity within the Department by removing systemic barriers and creating a workforce that represents America . For more information , visit www . usda . gov . The Church Of God In Christ , Inc . , is one of the oldest Pentecostal faiths in the world and the fourth largest Protestant group in the United States . They have over 13 , 000 churches in 105 countries and millions of followers . #USDA is an equal opportunity provider , employer , and lender .
PLAY the NEWS
* May be useful for visually impaired persons .
Press release information:
Direct link to press release:
Click here .
