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Local nonprofit groups, government agencies and Port of Long Beach tenants have until February 16, 2012, to apply for some of the $5 million in funds offered by the port’s first-ever Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Grant Program.

The port is encouraging eligible groups, agencies and other organizations to seek money for projects designed to reduce greenhouse gases. Eligible projects would include energy efficiency, clean transportation, tree-planting and others.

Priority is set to be given to projects closest to the Port. Because they increase efficiency, projects are also likely to reduce costs over time.

Applicants can seek funding for more than one project for a total grant request of up to $1 million.

The deadline for applicants is 4 p.m., February 16, 2012. No late applications will be accepted.

Grant applications, guidelines for the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Grant Program and more information are available at www.polb.com/greenhousegrants.

The Port of Long Beach can be contacted by email at grants@polb.com or by telephone at 1 888 789 4726.