Who Qualifies for BRIC Funding in South Carolina
GrantID: 13839
Grant Funding Amount Low: $5,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $50,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Heat Risk Mapping and Resource Allocation in South Carolina
South Carolina is increasingly facing challenges due to extreme heat events, particularly in its urban centers such as Columbia and Charleston. The average annual temperature in South Carolina has risen by approximately 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit over the past century, according to the South Carolina Climate Analysis. These rising temperatures contribute to heat stress, which can adversely affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income households, and individuals with chronic health conditions. A significant barrier to effective intervention remains the lack of precise mapping and resource allocation to mitigate heat-related risks across the state.
Communities that are particularly susceptible to extreme heat events include those in low-income neighborhoods lacking adequate access to cooling centers and public resources. According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, areas with the highest population density, such as downtown Charleston, are often characterized by urban heat islands, which exacerbate local temperatures and create health risks. Residents in these areas may not have the means to cope with heat exposure, highlighting the urgency of targeted interventions.
The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant provides South Carolina with a strategic opportunity to create heat risk maps that can identify vulnerable populations and the specific resources they require during extreme heat events. By funding detailed heat mapping initiatives, local governments can pinpoint areas most at risk and devise tailored resource allocation strategies to serve these communities effectively.
Through the BRIC program, municipalities can implement projects ranging from improving green spaces and tree canopies to establishing additional cooling stations. These interventions will notably lessen the heat burdens faced by susceptible individuals. Moreover, by advancing community-specific heat risk assessments, local health departments can disseminate valuable information about heat stress and mitigation practices more effectively.
The emphasis on heat risk mapping and resource allocation underscores the unique climate challenges that South Carolina faces. Unlike neighboring states, South Carolina is experiencing a notable increase in heat-related illnesses due to urbanization and climate change. The BRIC funding encourages local resilience strategies that specifically address these heat vulnerabilities, ensuring that communities have the necessary tools to combat extreme temperature events proactively. Consequently, with diligent planning and resource allocation, South Carolina can enhance its capacity to withstand the growing challenges posed by climate change.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
