The Port of Long Beach is accepting concept papers for bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure projects that qualify for funding under its award-winning Community Grants Program.

The award-winning Community Grants Program is a more than $46 million effort to fund projects that help those in the community who are most vulnerable to port-related environmental impacts. These projects are expanding asthma services, controlling stormwater runoff through the building of permeable parking lots, and creating open space buffers between port operations and communities, to name a few. Combined with a previous program started in 2009, the Port of Long Beach has set aside more than $65 million, making it the largest voluntary port mitigation initiative in the country. To date, $36.5 million has been committed.

Projects that improve bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure, and street projects reducing the negative effects of vehicular traffic will be considered for grant funding. Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies are eligible to apply. To view the program’s relevant Community Infrastructure guidelines and the recording of the pre-solicitation workshop, go to www.polb.com/grantopportunities.

A total of $3 million in funding is available for the solicitation. Prospective applicants are required to describe proposed projects at a high level and program staff will determine project and applicant eligibility. Concept papers, which must be submitted online, are due by 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. A conference call to answer questions about the solicitation will be held from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7 and can be joined by clicking here or calling (323) 451-1087 and entering conference identification 619 543 202#.

Community Grants Program staff recently hosted a public workshop to help determine 2023-25 funding priorities. Those who were unable to attend can fill out an online survey at bit.ly/3E9qHwA. The survey closes on Wednesday, Nov. 30.

The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports, a gateway for trans­-Pacific trade and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. With 175 shipping lines connecting Long Beach to 217 seaports, the Port handles $200 billion in trade annually, supporting more than 575,000 Southern California jobs.