SE Valley Times

CHANDLER, Ariz. – The City of Chandler has been awarded a significant grant aimed at bolstering its urban forestry efforts and combatting the challenges posed by extreme heat. The grant, totaling $767,000, was granted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USFS) as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated $1.5 billion to enhance urban forests nationwide.

The initiative, named "Growing Resilience Through Forested Community Schoolyards," is being spearheaded by the Trust for Public Land (TPL), which received $10 million from the USFS to oversee the project. The grant does not require any matching funds from the city.

The project focuses on increasing the tree canopy in Chandler while promoting equity and providing educational opportunities for students and the wider community. Chandler Unified School District will play a pivotal role in educating students about urban forestry through tree planting initiatives.

In a statement regarding the grant, it was highlighted that, "These grant funds will be used to fulfill the goal of increasing the tree canopy and equity in Chandler while providing education to students and the community."

Furthermore, the city will strategically determine the locations for tree plantings by targeting public properties that are in need of additional shade and the myriad benefits that trees offer. Data from a recent park tree inventory, coupled with tools like the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), will inform the tree planting endeavors in underserved areas of Chandler.

The Chandler City Council unanimously approved the grant agreement during their meeting on March 21, solidifying the city's commitment to enhancing its green spaces and fostering a more sustainable and resilient community.