FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff received official notice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that the Flagstaff Regional Resilience Project grant agreement has been terminated. The EPA cited that the award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities.
“The EPA’s decision to terminate this grant is deeply alarming—not only for the City of Flagstaff, but for the many residents, community leaders, and partner organizations who have worked tirelessly to enhance local preparedness. These community hubs were already delivering measurable impact, supporting those most vulnerable to extreme weather-related threats, as well as workforce development. We stand firmly behind this vital work and intend to challenge the EPA’s decision. Flagstaff remains unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding the health, safety, and future of our residents.” said Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett.
In 2024, the City was awarded this Government-to-Government (G2G) grant, which was funded through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, to launch three resilience hub pilots in Flagstaff. These hubs are community-centered spaces designed to enhance emergency preparedness, provide cooling and heating relief, and serve as trusted locations for residents to access resources before, during, and after all-hazards events, including wildfire, post-fire flooding, and poor air quality.
The termination of this grant resulted in the immediate suspension of funding for four jobs in Flagstaff and community resources, such as the distribution of emergency response kits. The three pilot resilience hubs, which provided critical services to the community, operated at the Murdoch Community Center, the Market of Dreams, and the Community Assistance Teams (C.A.T.s) of Flagstaff mobile Hub.
The City of Flagstaff submitted a formal appeal disputing the EPA’s decision to terminate the grant, as the City remains confident in the alignment between the project’s goals and the EPA’s new initiative to protect public health and the environment while restoring the American economy.
The City of Flagstaff relies on federal grant dollars to strengthen our community and prepare for emergencies. The City will continue to monitor developments at the federal level. Despite this setback, the City continues to prioritize community preparedness through existing initiatives and partnerships with local organizations.
For any related questions, please contact Sarah Langley, City of Flagstaff Public Affairs Director at sarah.langley@flagstaffaz.gov