Date: March 12, 2026
PRESS RELEASE

TEPA to Lead Community Cleanup and Workforce Training Effort Through Clean California Grant

Adrian Villegas
Web & Communication Support Specialist
Hoopa Valley Tribe

Hoopa, Calif. — The Hoopa Valley Tribe’s Tribal Environmental Protection Agency (TEPA) is expected to receive a Clean California grant in April 2026 to support a community cleanup and workforce development initiative in the Hoopa Valley. Additional information about cleanup event dates and program details will be shared once the grant award is finalized.

The proposed program, titled Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway, focuses on environmental restoration while creating workforce training opportunities for Tribal members. The initiative is designed to integrate cleanup efforts, compliance activities, and workforce certification to help build a cleaner environment and a stronger Tribal workforce.

If awarded, the program is planned to run from May 2026 through August 2027 and will include several targeted cleanup and collection efforts. Planned activities include three community cleanup events focused on high-visibility public corridors, with an estimated 40 tons of litter and bulky waste removed.

The program will also include four structured collection events for bulky and hard-to-recycle items such as appliances, tires, electronics, heavy metals, mattresses, household hazardous waste, and batteries. Standard household waste will not be accepted due to funding restrictions.

Another component of the initiative includes auto abatement efforts, which will focus on removing up to 400 abandoned vehicles that have been pre-identified through the TEPA Compliance Program.

In addition to environmental cleanup activities, the project includes a workforce development component through a HAZWOPER certification program. Approximately 20 Tribal participants are expected to receive training, paid stipends, and HAZWOPER certification. The program will also be integrated with the TERO Skills Bank to support long-term employment pathways.

The initiative aims to deliver measurable benefits to the community, including diverting waste from landfills, removing abandoned vehicles, training certified workers, reducing public health hazards, improving compliance enforcement efficiency, and strengthening coordination between Tribal departments.

This effort supports broader goals for the Hoopa Valley that include environmental stewardship, workforce empowerment, infrastructure support, and increased community pride.

More information will be shared with the community once the grant award is confirmed and event details are finalized.

For questions or more information, contact TEPA at 530-625-5515, extension 311.