The Army supports RABs in those communities where there is sustained interest in the environmental restoration program and for those environmental restoration programs where closure of the installation involves the transfer of property to the community. RABs are formed when at least 50 local citizens petitioned for creation of a RAB, or where federal, state, tribal or local government representatives have requested the formation of a RAB or where, based on sustained community interest the Garrison Commander believes there is a need for a RAB.
The Army continues to fund those RABs that remain active and productive, and requires installations that have an active restoration program but don’t yet have a RAB to solicit for interest in a RAB every two years until the program achieves remedy in place or response complete status.
The Army also provides Technical Assistance for Public Participation (TAPP) grants to allow RAB community members to receive independent technical assistance in understanding the technical documents related to the restoration program. This program is designed to give citizen RAB member to participate more fully in discussions regarding the restoration and to provide informed comments regarding the documents and proposed actions they are asked to review. TAPP providers must have knowledge of hazardous substances issues and laws, academic training in a relevant discipline, and the ability to review, understand and put technical information into terms understandable to lay persons. TAPP grant limits are $25,000 per year for each RAB with a lifetime maximum of $200,000, providing funds are available.
USAEC is the program manager for the Army’s DERP active and non-BRAC excess installations. USAEC reviews installation RAB information for consistency with DoD policy and proposed RAB funding requirements for eligibility for reimbursement and consistency with approved obligation plans. USAEC also assists installations with information on RAB solicitation, the roles of the installation and RAB citizen members and information regarding projects eligibility for TAPP funding.