Featured Stories
TDEC Names Cumberland River Compact a Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, July 18 -- The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued the following news release:
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TDEC Names Cumberland River Compact a Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient
2026 Marks the 40th year for program that recognizes a commitment to preserving Tennessee's natural resources
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The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has named the Cumberland River Compact (CRC) as a recipient of the 2026 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award for Agriculture and Forestry. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Governor's Environmental
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, July 18 -- The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued the following news release:
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TDEC Names Cumberland River Compact a Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient
2026 Marks the 40th year for program that recognizes a commitment to preserving Tennessee's natural resources
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The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has named the Cumberland River Compact (CRC) as a recipient of the 2026 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award for Agriculture and Forestry. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Governor's EnvironmentalStewardship Awards which honors individuals, businesses, and other organizations for their commitment to preserving the state's natural resources.
The award for Agriculture and Forestry recognizes innovative practices that advance sustainable agricultural and forestry activities.
CRC announced major milestones from its Grazing School, a statewide program helping Tennessee farmers implement water friendly agricultural practices that improve soil health, reduce pollution, and strengthen farm operations. The program supports farmers as crucial stewards of the 18,000 square mile Cumberland River basin, one of the most biodiverse regions in the country.
Launched in 2024, the Grazing School is held twice a year in agricultural communities and provides hands on training in rotational grazing, pasture management, water quality protection, and animal health.. Graduates are eligible for cost share funding to implement best management practices such as exclusionary fencing, waterlines, and rotational grazing systems.
CRC has directly supported 93 historically underserved farmers, including beginning farmers, veterans, and socially disadvantaged producers, increasing access to conservation tools in communities that often face economic barriers.
The Grazing School program has helped address some of Tennessee's most pressing water quality challenges, including sedimentation, erosion, and bacteria contamination caused by unrestricted livestock access to waterways. Collaboration with federal, state and private partners has expanded the program's reach and technical support network.
There are ten categories for the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards. Other recipients include:
* Building Green - iFixit
* Clean Air and Transportation Solutions - Clarksville-Montgomery County School System
* Environmental Education and Outreach - Clearloop and Jackson-Madison County School System
* Energy and Renewable Resources - Memphis Light, Gas and Water
* Materials Management - Toyota Boshoku Tennessee LLC
* Natural Resources - Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful
* Pursuit of Excellence - OxyChem
* Sustainable Performance - Carlex Glass America, LLC
* Water Quality - Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency
For more information on the recipients and the awards program, visit the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards website (https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/environment/stewardship/gesa.html).
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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/environment/news/2026/7/17/tdec-gesa2026-cumberland-river-compact.html
Nebraska FBLA Earns 70 Top 10 Awards at National Leadership Conference
LINCOLN, Nebraska, July 18 -- The Nebraska Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Nebraska FBLA Earns 70 Top 10 Awards at National Leadership Conference
Nebraska FBLA members won top prizes at Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.'s (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC). The FBLA Collegiate NLC was held in Las Vegas, Nevada from June 6 - 8, 2026, attracted more than 2,000 college students, educators, and volunteers from across the country. The Middle School and High School NLC was held in San Antonio, Texas from June 29 to July 2, attracted more than 16,000
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LINCOLN, Nebraska, July 18 -- The Nebraska Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Nebraska FBLA Earns 70 Top 10 Awards at National Leadership Conference
Nebraska FBLA members won top prizes at Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.'s (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC). The FBLA Collegiate NLC was held in Las Vegas, Nevada from June 6 - 8, 2026, attracted more than 2,000 college students, educators, and volunteers from across the country. The Middle School and High School NLC was held in San Antonio, Texas from June 29 to July 2, attracted more than 16,000middle school and high school students, educators, and volunteers from across the country. The NLC provides education, competition, and networking opportunities centered on business and technology.
More than 13,400 students from nearly 2,100 schools in 47 U.S. states, territories, and Canada competed in 108 business-related events for cash prizes totaling nearly $65,000. Students also had the opportunity to engage in over 200 learning workshops and meet with representatives from more than 25 colleges, universities, and employers, including Alzheimer's Association, BusinessU, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), FICO, Funds2Orgs, Jostens, Kendra Scott, Men's Wearhouse, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Coast Guard.
Additionally, student members heard from Jared Ebersole, FBLA high school alumnus and co-founder of Lectec, who shared his journey from FBLA member to entrepreneur, and what it takes to build, fail, and lead.
Nebraska FBLA Middle School and High School delegations, 451 members, advisers, and guests from traveled to San Antonio on June 28 for an unforgettable experience at the National Leadership Conference. Nebraska FBLA brought home 18 top 10 awards! Nebraska FBLA had an amazing conference and look forward to seeing how members will make an impact with leadership throughout the next year!
Thank you to Nebraska FBLA State Staff: Jacqui Garrison, Nebraska FBLA State Adviser, and Lois Hixson, Competitive Events Manager, serving on this year's National Competitive Events Operations Team and Jennifer Claus, Nebraska FBLA-Collegiate State Adviser, serving as the National Board of Directors as Past Chair. Their leadership has helped expand opportunities for members across the country in FBLA.
Middle School Top 10 Award Winners
Second Place
* Slide Deck Applications - Addi Morgan; Arlington
Fifth Place
* Exploring Management & Entrepreneurship - Dylan Eddie, Eli Hegemann, and Marissa Blake; Arlington
Sixth Place
* Interpersonal Communication - Ana Hernandez-Franco; Newman Grove
* Slide Deck Applications - Chloe Cartwright; Arlington
* Annual Chapter Activities - Coleman Field and Kate Field; Raymond Central
* Exploring Leadership - Blake Slocum; Litchfield
Eighth Place
* Exploring FBLA - Braxton Fletcher; Litchfield
Ninth Place
* Exploring Leadership - McKinley Skiles; Meridian
Tenth Place
* Spreadsheet Applications - Audrey Woods; Arlington
* Career Exploration - Olivia Hake; Leigh
High School Top 10 Award Winners
First Place
* Digital Video Production - Isaiah Sinachack; Axtell
* Sports and Entertainment Management - Braxton Jelinek and Landon Vachal; Waverly
* Healthcare Administration - Ashlyn Bae; Elkhorn North
Second Place
* Community Service Project - Beau Cassell and Jack Cassell; Lincoln Southeast
* Future Business Leader - Annabelle Kumm; Lincoln East
Third Place
* Social Media Strategies - Adelyn Harms, Vanity Laughlin, and Peyton Nissen; Ashland-Greenwood
* Future Business Educator - Brittany Sup; Boone Central
Fourth Place
* Economics - Jacob Feuerbach; Creighton Preparatory High School
Fifth Place
* Human Resource Management - Nnadozie Ogbonnaya; Lincoln Southeast
Seventh Place
* Customer Service - Hazel Capp; Ashland-Greenwood
Eighth Place
* Business Management - Beau Cassell and Jack Cassell; Lincoln Southeast
Tenth Place
* Introduction to Business Presentation - Keeley Moninger, Tristan Taylor, and Tylee Fenton; Broken Bow
Collegiate Top 10 Award Winners
First Place
* Foundations of Communication - Carlye Kresl; Wayne State College
* Foundations of Finance - Conor Willeke; Nebraska Wesleyan University
* Foundations of Hospitality Management - Tavian Willsea; Nebraska Wesleyan University
* Job Interview - Azania Kumalo; Wayne State College
* Retail Management - Amelia Hakl; Peru State College
Second Place
* Impromptu Speaking - Makenna Fisher; Chadron State College
* Job Interview - Bruce Archambault; Nebraska Wesleyan University
* Management Case Competition - Madalyn Schoffstall; Nebraska Wesleyan University
* Supply Chain Management - Logan Spence; University of Nebraska at Kearney
Third Place
* Business Law - Jack Lancaster; Wayne State College
Fourth Place
* Foundations of Digital Design - Jake Rhodes; Nebraska Wesleyan University
* Foundations of Entrepreneurship - Landen Baum; York University
* Foundations of Management - Paige Comstock; Nebraska Wesleyan University
* Foundations of Selling - Jake Rhodes; Nebraska Wesleyan University
* Future Business Facilitator - Savannah Boedingheimer; Nebraska FBLA Collegiate Direct
Fifth Place
* Community Service Project - Lydia Jahnke and Kelli Tunender; Northeast Community College
* Foundations of Economics - Jack Lancaster; Wayne State College
* Foundations of Entrepreneurship - Evan Miller; Peru State College
* Future Business Facilitator - Sheila Miller; Peru State College
* Marketing & Sales Case Competition - Brodie Arnold, Josh Kaperski, and Trent Koger; Midland University
* Public Speaking - Jacie Ambrose; University of Nebraska at Omaha
* Sports Management & Marketing - Andrew Rentschler; University of Nebraska at Kearney
Sixth Place
* Business Communication - Haily Miller; University of Nebraska at Kearney
* Foundations of Selling - Colton Schaeffer; Wayne State College
* Project Management - Vyvian Alstrom; Midland University
* Technology and Computer Science Case Competition - Connor Nichols; University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Seventh Place
* Business Communication - Alana Wheatley; Chadron State College
* Digital Design & Communications Case Competition - Addison Ackles, Ella Beaudette, and Connor Reeson; University of Nebraska at Kearney
* Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition - Savannah Boedingheimer; Nebraska FBLA Collegiate Direct
* Foundations of Communication - Mira Comstock; Nebraska Wesleyan University
* Foundations of Hospitality Management - Carlye Kresl; Wayne State College
* Marketing & Sales Case Competition - Kiya Johnson and Skylar Scholting; Midland University
* Supply Chain Management - Vyvian Alstrom; Midland University
Eighth Place
* Accounting Case Competition - Ella Beaudette; Connor Reeson; University of Nebraska at Kearney
* Digital Design & Communications Case Competition - - Jacie Ambrose; University of Nebraska at Omaha
* Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition - Bruce Archambault and Madalyn Schoffstall; Nebraska Wesleyan University
* Finance Case Competition - Conor Willeke; Nebraska Wesleyan University
* Future Business Facilitator - Connor Nichols; University of Nebraska - Lincoln
* Marketing & Sales Case Competition - Kennedie Gartner, Schuyler Heesacker, and Manaseh Liphuka; Northeast Community College
Tenth Place
* Business Communication - Schuyler Heesacker; Northeast Community College
* Community Service Project - Amelia Hakl; Peru State College
* Computer Applications - Emma Hodnet; Midland University
* Digital Design & Communications Case Competition - Amelia Hakl and Mia Rikli; Peru State College
* Foundations of Finance - Andrew Rentschler; University of Nebraska at Kearney
* Hospitality Management Case Competition - Josalynn Amrine; Northeast Community College
* Parliamentary Procedure - Corbin Horner; Nebraska Wesleyan University
* Project Management - Alana Wheatley; Chadron State College
List of Nebraska FBLA Award Winners (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQ-7mFE7bRHZfX4AiTjFLIVXIiMBGqtyCXcwl7UTEQlEkC0yrIDL8iof6q3sS6ReHpOqvUr3vITI24V/pubhtml)
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About Future Business Leaders of America:
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) dedicated to preparing students for success in college, careers, and life. Through partnerships with local businesses and industry professionals, FBLA provides students with opportunities to develop the technical and career readiness skills employers value most, including leadership, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and technology proficiency. By combining classroom learning with experiential leadership development, career exploration, and competitive events, FBLA equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing workforce across all career fields and industries. Nebraska FBLA serves more than 4,500 members across 171 middle school, high school, and collegiate chapters statewide. Learn more at http://nebraskafbla.org/ or https://fbla.org. Nebraska FBLA is supported through the Nebraska Center for Student Leadership and Expanded Learning at the Nebraska Department of Education.
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Original text here: https://www.education.ne.gov/press_release/nebraska-fbla-earns-70-top-10-awards-at-national-leadership-conference/
Neb. Economic Development Dept. Invites Applications Through the Community Development Assistance Act
LINCOLN, Nebraska, July 18 -- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development issued the following news:
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DED Invites Applications through the Community Development Assistance Act
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) is now accepting applications for the Community Development Assistance Act (CDAA) opportunity.
The CDAA enables DED to distribute a 40% state tax credit to individuals and business firms that make eligible contributions to certified projects or programs.
Any county, city, village, or non-profit Community Betterment Organization that provides community assistance
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LINCOLN, Nebraska, July 18 -- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development issued the following news:
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DED Invites Applications through the Community Development Assistance Act
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) is now accepting applications for the Community Development Assistance Act (CDAA) opportunity.
The CDAA enables DED to distribute a 40% state tax credit to individuals and business firms that make eligible contributions to certified projects or programs.
Any county, city, village, or non-profit Community Betterment Organization that provides community assistanceor community services in a community development area may apply for CDAA project or program certification through DED. Upon approval of the application, the organization can notify donors to the certified project or program that they are eligible for tax credits.
DED will not authorize more than $50,000 of tax credits for any single project or program during any single fiscal year. Once an applicant enters into agreement with DED, a 12-month period begins during which donations to the certified project or program may be eligible for tax credits. Subject to legislative changes, DED can allocate a total of $350,000 in state tax credits each fiscal year.
Applications should be submitted electronically through DED's grant management system (EUNA Grants). The application link, program requirements, and more can be found at opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/community/cdaa.
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Original text here: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/ded-invites-applications-through-the-community-development-assistance-act/
NCDHHS Provides Update on Cyclosporiasis in North Carolina
RALEIGH, North Carolina, July 18 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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NCDHHS Provides Update on Cyclosporiasis in North Carolina
As North Carolina continues to see elevated cyclosporiasis cases, NCDHHS, in collaboration with the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) and local partners, is continuing work to identify potential sources of cyclospora stemming from specific ingredients used frequently at homes and in restaurants. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians and restaurants to practice proper safety precautions
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, July 18 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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NCDHHS Provides Update on Cyclosporiasis in North Carolina
As North Carolina continues to see elevated cyclosporiasis cases, NCDHHS, in collaboration with the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) and local partners, is continuing work to identify potential sources of cyclospora stemming from specific ingredients used frequently at homes and in restaurants. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians and restaurants to practice proper safety precautionsto prevent contracting the parasite.
From May 1 to July 14, 2026, 307 cases of cyclosporiasis and 13 hospitalizations have been reported in North Carolina, with the majority of cases being reported in Wake County. Case counts will be updated weekly on Tuesdays. Additional cases continue to be reported and now exceed the number of cases reported in 2024 and 2025.
At this time, the increase in cyclosporiasis cases in North Carolina does not appear to be associated with the outbreak in other states involving Taco Bell, but commonly reported foods linked to cases in North Carolina include parsley, cilantro, and lettuce. While this type of information can suggest which types of produce are more likely to be contaminated, it does not prove with certainty that any of these were the source of infection.
NCDHHS is in continuous communication with local, state and federal partners as foodborne illness investigations and the traceback of common sources of exposure take place. Local health departments and the NCDHHS-Division of Public Health are continuing to conduct case interviews to identify possible sources of exposure. NCDA&CS is leading efforts to trace the identified ingredients to the original supplier or source.
Local restaurants and consumers are urged to be aware of commonly reported sources of cyclospora, including parsley, cilantro, and lettuce. Rinsing and washing fresh fruits and vegetables may remove some of the parasite but does not guarantee it will be removed entirely. Most foodborne illnesses, including cyclosporiasis, can be prevented by cooking foods to 165 degrees Fahrenheit; however, cyclospora is most often associated with ingredients that are served uncooked. For this reason, if using ingredients that have been identified to be associated with the increase in cyclospora cases in North Carolina like lettuce, parsley and cilantro, please consider removing or cooking fully to avoid getting yourself or others sick.
For additional information on cyclosporiasis, please visit our website (https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/cyclosporiasis.html).
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Original text here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/07/17/ncdhhs-provides-update-cyclosporiasis-north-carolina
N.Y. Environmental Conservation Dept. Releases 2026-2030 Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda
ALBANY, New York, July 18 -- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued the following news release on July 17, 2026:
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DEC Releases 2026-2030 Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda
Five-Year Blueprint Outlines Strategies to Protect and Enhance the Hudson River Estuary
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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda 2026-2030, a five-year blueprint for conserving and restoring the Hudson River estuary and its watershed. The 2026-2030 plan builds on the successes of the previous Action Agenda while
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ALBANY, New York, July 18 -- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued the following news release on July 17, 2026:
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DEC Releases 2026-2030 Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda
Five-Year Blueprint Outlines Strategies to Protect and Enhance the Hudson River Estuary
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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda 2026-2030, a five-year blueprint for conserving and restoring the Hudson River estuary and its watershed. The 2026-2030 plan builds on the successes of the previous Action Agenda whileincorporating new scientific findings and addressing emerging challenges. The eight priority goals focus on creating a strong and vibrant ecosystem that benefits both nature and people, with special emphasis on environmental justice, equity, and inclusion, as well as meaningful Indigenous engagement.
"The Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda 2026-2030 represents New York's commitment to protecting the Hudson River Estuary and its watershed for present and future generations," Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. "This Action Agenda establishes goals that address complex environmental challenges including climate change, while ensuring that communities throughout the Hudson Valley have clean water, resilient shorelines, and equitable access to the river. We are grateful to our many partners and stakeholders for providing input on this plan and working collaboratively with DEC to ensure a healthy and thriving estuary ecosystem."
The Action Agenda is updated every five years to address current trends and opportunities and sets objectives that can be achieved through collective action and collaboration among government and nongovernmental partners. It includes specific, measurable outcomes that are achievable by 2030 and identifies strategies for State agencies and partners to implement between 2026 and 2030.
Highlights of the 2026-2030 Action Agenda include:
* Vital River Ecosystem: Strategies to ensure robust fish populations, protect river habitats, and maintain clean water suitable for swimming, recreation, and drinking water;
* Thriving and Resilient Watershed: Actions to maintain healthy tributaries, support climate-adaptive communities, and conserve priority natural areas; and
* Living Well with Nature: Programs to inform and engage the public and ensure accessible Hudson River experiences for all people.
The Hudson River Estuary Management Program, created in 1987, helps protect, conserve, restore, and enhance the Hudson River estuary and its watershed, and encompasses four DEC programs that work collaboratively to implement the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda:
* The Hudson River Estuary Program
* The Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve (HRNERR)
* The Hudson and Delaware Marine Fisheries Unit
* The Marine Habitat Program of DEC's Division of Marine Resources
Implementation of the Hudson River Estuary Management Program is funded through the NYS Environmental Protection Fund and carried out through grants, restoration projects, education, research, training, and community planning assistance, in coordination with state and federal agencies, and public-private partnerships. The 2026-27 Budget also reaffirms New York's commitment to environmental leadership by appropriating $425 million to the Environmental Protection Fund, using $25 million from the Sustainable Future Program to provide a record $450 million for important environmental programs.
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Original text here: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2026/7/dec-releases-2026-2030-hudson-river-estuary-action-agenda
Maine State Sen. Tepler Appointed to Commission to Protect Clean Water Access
AUGUSTA, Maine, July 18 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham:
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Sen. Tepler appointed to commission to protect clean water access
This week, Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, was appointed to the newly created Unmanaged Storm Water Pollution Commission by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick.
The members of the Commission will be charged with studying, reviewing and analyzing existing scientific literature, laws and data related to storm water pollution, which includes chemicals that have been carried into bodies
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AUGUSTA, Maine, July 18 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham:
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Sen. Tepler appointed to commission to protect clean water access
This week, Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, was appointed to the newly created Unmanaged Storm Water Pollution Commission by Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick.
The members of the Commission will be charged with studying, reviewing and analyzing existing scientific literature, laws and data related to storm water pollution, which includes chemicals that have been carried into bodiesof water by runoff. The Commission will then submit a report to the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, which is chaired by Sen. Tepler, by December 1 of this year. The report will feature recommendations from the commission on strategies to address storm water pollution.
"I'm eager to get started on the work this commission has been assigned," said Sen. Tepler. "Every time we get major or consistent rainfall, there is a risk that weed killers, fertilizers and other pollutants get caught up in the runoff and carried into lakes, ponds, rivers and the ocean -- natural resources that generations of Mainers have worked to keep clean. This is a serious issue for our fishing industry and can have unforeseen effects on the health of Mainers."
LD 646, "Resolve, Establishing the Commission to Study Unregulated Storm Water Pollution," was signed by the Governor in April of this year, and aims to build upon the work that has been done by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Stormwater Advisory Group, as well as the "Maine Won't Wait" climate action program.
Interested parties can sign up for notifications about meeting dates and additional information on the Commission here.
Sen. Tepler is serving her first term in the Maine Senate, and is the Senate chair of both the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Marine Resources Committee.
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Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/sen-tepler-appointed-to-commission-to-protect-clean-water-access/
MDHHS Seeks Applications for the Rural Health Transformation Program Improving Care Delivery and Access Through Transportation
LANSING, Michigan, July 18 -- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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MDHHS seeks applications for the Rural Health Transformation Program Improving Care Delivery and Access through Transportation
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a grant funding opportunity (GFO) for the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program that will support the Care Closer to Home Blueprint: Improving Care Delivery and Access through Transportation Grant Program.
Michigan's RHT Program focuses on building a strong and innovative
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LANSING, Michigan, July 18 -- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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MDHHS seeks applications for the Rural Health Transformation Program Improving Care Delivery and Access through Transportation
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a grant funding opportunity (GFO) for the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program that will support the Care Closer to Home Blueprint: Improving Care Delivery and Access through Transportation Grant Program.
Michigan's RHT Program focuses on building a strong and innovativerural health system that ensures every resident has access to high-quality care close to home. The program advances this goal through coordinated, community-driven strategies implemented across four core initiatives:
* Strengthening partnerships that support rural health transformation.
* Expanding and stabilizing the workforce needed to sustain community wellness.
* Advancing interoperability so providers can share information and coordinate care effectively.
* Developing models that bring essential services closer to where people live.
The Improving Care and Access through Transportation Program will help rural residents get the care they need by improving transportation options and bringing services closer to where people live and work. Funding will support technical assistance and community-based programs that expand access to health care and healthy lifestyle resources in rural areas with limited transportation options.
Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofits, for-profit organizations, private and public entities, local municipalities, local transit agencies, local health departments, health systems, health plans, community-based coalitions, community foundations, and/or other similar organizations.
The award period begins Oct. 1, 2026, and ends Sept. 30, 2027. Fifteen awards are anticipated for a total of $12 million. Project director requests for access to the applications are due by 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 7. Grant applications must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS system by 3 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 12.
A pre-application conference will be held to provide instruction on using the EGrAMS system at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 23. It will last approximately 90 minutes and the webinar can be accessed at https://bit.ly/4wBrBuh. At the conclusion of the conference, a recording of the webinar will be posted on the EGrAMS system.
For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select the "About EGrAMS" link in the left panel to access the "Competitive Application Instructions" training manual. The complete GFO and resource documents can be accessed under the 'Current Grants' section within the 'Policy and Planning' link and by selecting the ICATT-2027 grant program.
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This grant funding opportunity is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $173,128,201.02, with 100% funding provided by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS/HHS or the U.S. government.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2026/07/17/care-closer-to-home-gfo
