Students who are members of the Bovoni Boys and Girls Club will learn through experience about environmental issues surrounding the Bovoni Landfill thanks to a $14,250 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
According to a release from Delegate to Congress Donna Christian-Christensen's office, the young people will have an opportunity to monitor water quality at the beaches and lagoons near the landfill.
The Bovoni Landfill has been the site of illegal dumping, wetlands destruction, and many fires over the past 20 years.
After gathering and examining the samples, the students will then inform residents in neighboring communities, through public presentations, of the potential ill effects of exposure to contaminated water on their health.
The Housing Authority is eligible for another grant, under the Public Housing Drug Elimination Program, that could help young people in the community. The HA has applied for the $941,345 grant to fight drugs and drug related crime in the housing communities.
Christiansen said, "I want to commend the Housing Authority for their willingness to apply for federal funds when applicable and for their thoroughness in the application process. I am sure that they have emphasized the need for these funds in our community and look forward to receiving the official grant announcement in the near future."
The release did not say when the announcement would be made.