Kathleen Sebelius on Environment Democratic KS Governor

Environmental justice strategy: protect polluted communities

"Today, we understand better than ever that our health is not just determined by what happens in the doctor's office. It is affected by where we live, work, go to school and play, by what we eat and drink, and by the air we breathe," said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Katherine Sebelius. "HHS is committed to working with our partners across government to build healthy communities, especially in those areas burdened by environmental hazards."

$1.5 million grants for recycling & composting

"Recycling and composting provide business opportunities using items that would otherwise go into a landfill. That way we can conserve resources, while also helping Kansas communities cut down on landfill use," Gov. Sebelius said.

The grants, ranging from $3,900 to $372,000, include projects for enhancing local recycling efforts, for composting efforts, and for processing waste tires and wood products. All the funded projects will help remove material from the waste stream to conserve landfill space and reduce the need for new solid waste facilities. More than $15 million has been distributed in grants since the program began in 1996.