E.P.A. awards Environmental Justice Grants to fund community plans in Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee and Granite City, Ill.

· The Center for Neighborhood Technology will gain $30,000 to help prepare Chicago's Chatham neighborhood for flooding, which is expected to worsen with climate change. CNT, working with the Army Corps of Engineers, will design and test green infrastructure to better manage stormwater and prevent water pollution. A CNT plan called "RainReady" will be developed at ten houses in Chatham that will be assessed for flooding risk. The model can then be replicated at residences in other communities.

· Keep Growing Detroit will gain $25,100 to hold community workshops to raise awareness about the dangers of lead contamination in soil -- especially for children. Soil will be sampled for lead at 135 locations. Compost will also be distributed to build 50 raised garden beds for urban agriculture.

· Groundwork Milwaukee Incorporated will gain $30,000 to train teens and young adults from the 30^th Street Corridor to build 15 rain gardens and install 15 rain barrels to collect stormwater runoff and prevent flooding. The plan will demonstrate how green infrastructure can lessen the effects of climate change.

· United Congregations of Metro-East in Granite City, Illinois, will gain $30,000 to enhance air quality and prepare for climate change. An air-sensing network monitor will be installed to inform residents about local air quality. In addition, an "ozone garden" will be created using plants that show signs of damage when exposed to unhealthy air. 6 schools and 9 sites will also gain displays and environmental education materials.