00E05003

**Description:** This agreement provides funding under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to Minneapolis American Indian Center.

Specifically, the project will fund the installation and utilization of low- and zero-emission, climate-resilient technologies and building upgrades to reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution at both the Minneapolis American Indian Center and their statutory partner, Sabathani Community Center.

These installations will overall contribute to these centers, and the communities served by them, in saving on costs associated with electric and energy bills, as well as reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

In concert with the activities funded by EPA, the City of Minneapolis will provide a shared cost, assisting in standing up a 'living lab' for hands-on training and education on energy and climate resilient careers, providing indoor and outdoor air pollution community education, and ensuring meaningful community involvement in future programming and projects.

In combination, this overarching project will create resilient community centers that can serve the 35,000 Minneapolis American Indian Center members and 39,000 Sabathani Community Center members during power outages from climate or civil unrest emergencies.

**Activities:** The activities include:

For Minneapolis American Indian Center: Rooftop upgrades and expansion to support installation of rooftop solar array; building upgrades including installing high efficiency HVAC, electrical, and lighting systems; windows and point-of-entry that maximize energy efficiency and eliminate barriers to accessibility for the community particularly during crises.

For Sabathani Community Center: HVAC system installation; geothermal system installation (full conversion from natural gas to geothermal energy); electric/energy systems (boilers, hot water piping/radiators, AC units) and equipment upgrades.

For both centers: Community outdoor/indoor air pollution and climate change education, workforce program development, collaborative community outreach (all funded through the City of Minneapolis shared costs).

**Subrecipient:** Sabathani Community Center using EPA funds: Mechanical, electrical, and structural design of HVAC systems; systems/equipment (boilers, hot water piping/radiators, air handling units) purchase/installation; HVAC installation (four levels - including basement); geothermal installation (full conversion from natural gas to geothermal).

Sabathani Community Center using City of Minneapolis funds: Building a hands-on training center at Sabathani; finalized emergency preparedness plans for climate and civic crises; hosting six town hall meetings to reach 1,000 community members; provide paid training in energy efficiency and building principles training to 200 community members.

**Outcomes:** The anticipated deliverables for the Minneapolis American Indian Community Center upgrades and renovation include: a 268kW solar array installation on their rooftop, 500kW battery storage, a renovated and expanded HVAC system, installed HVAC-system-related weatherization measures such as windows replacement, roof replacement with insulation.

The anticipated deliverables for the Sabathani Community Center upgrades and renovation include: a 412.2kW solar array system, DOAS and FVAV central geothermal system replacing 2 gas boilers and 104 AC units, 500kW of battery storage.

The anticipated deliverables for both community centers, using funding from the City of Minneapolis, include: for both community center locations, to have finalized emergency preparedness plans, equipment and communication protocols that serve surrounding community members during an extended power outage, increased community participation, engagement, and awareness of climate and health impacts and energy efficiency, a workforce development training program, educational materials for climate and energy resilience disseminated amongst community.

The expected outcomes.

Minneapolis American Indian Center

S - CROSS AGENCY STRATEGY S.1 - ENSURE SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY AND SCIENCE-BASED DECISION MAKING 2 - TAKE DECISIVE ACTION TO ADVANCE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND CIVIL RIGHTS 2.1 - PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND CIVIL RIGHTS AT THE FEDERAL, TRIBAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS 5 - ENSURE CLEAN AND SAFE WATER FOR ALL COMMUNITIES 5.2 - PROTECT AND RESTORE WATERBODIES AND WATERSHEDS 2 - TAKE DECISIVE ACTION TO ADVANCE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND CIVIL RIGHTS 2.1 - PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND CIVIL RIGHTS AT THE FEDERAL, TRIBAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS 2 - TAKE DECISIVE ACTION TO ADVANCE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND CIVIL RIGHTS 2.1 - PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND CIVIL RIGHTS AT THE FEDERAL, TRIBAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS

66.616 - Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program

EPA Region 5: Chicago [EPA - RO]

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55409 United States

Single Zip Code

Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program (EPA-R-OEJECR-OCS-23-04)

Termination This project grant was reported as terminated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in July 2025. See All
Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been shortened from 03/31/27 to 05/01/25.