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January 27, 2012

ULM's Social Science Research Lab presents funding opportunities at environmental conference

Social Science Research Lab Co-Director John W. Sutherlin served as part of a panel discussion on municipal and parish level funding at the Environmental Regulatory Compliance Conference held in Alexandria Jan. 25-26.

Sutherlin highlighted the grants available to governmental entities and some private companies working with government.

Since its creation, the SSRL has successfully developed grant applications and secured more than $1 million in funding for communities across Louisiana.

Although the primary focus of the conference was compliance, having the monies to stay in compliance was seen as critical.

"Working with local governments has changed dramatically over the past decade," Sutherlin noted, "These communities have less capacity to develop grants, but significantly more demands through more stringent regulations. That is where the SSRL has been able to make a name for itself, especially in working in south Louisiana."

The SSRL has, for example, developed grant applications for New Iberia, Abbeville, Eunice, and Jennings, as well as for those in north Louisiana.

Sutherlin commented, "The SSRL has in each case been able to include students who learn how to develop grant applications and then do the research associated with the grants.

In every case, the student has been able to use this experience to get a job or improve their skills set for graduate and/or law school."

The conference was sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, the LA Department of Environmental Quality, and the Louisiana Municipal Association.

The University of Louisiana at Monroe was the only university in the state represented at the conference.

For more information about the Social Science Research Lab, visit www.ulm.edu/ssrl.

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