Oct. 13, 2003

For more information contact:
Kathy Ridnour
515-239-1713
kathy.ridnour@dot.state.ia.us

Keep Iowa Beautiful project funding applications available

AMES, Iowa – Applications are currently being accepted for Keep Iowa Beautiful projects. The annual application deadline for funding is Dec. 31. Projects are funded on a grant basis and no matching funds are required. However, the higher degree of match, the more likely a project will be approved. 

The primary criterion for determining funding priorities is the anticipated long-term effectiveness of a project to clean up or prevent litter, improve waste management or recycling efforts, beautify a site, prevent illegal dumping or eliminate public nuisances. 

Last year, the first year as a check off on Iowa Tax returns, the Keep Iowa Beautiful program was able to award more than $56,000 to the following projects around the state.

Keep Iowa Beautiful for the statewide program was awarded $18,000

The Iowa Legislature passed legislation to provide funds for litter prevention, waste management and recycling, and beautification projects, and the Iowa Department of Transportation established rules for disbursing the funds.

Approximately 70 percent of the moneys appropriated to the department through the check off are allocated to community projects. The remaining funds are allocated to the Keep Iowa Beautiful organization for statewide efforts.

Applications for Keep Iowa Beautiful grants may be obtained on the DOT's Web site: www. www.dot.state.ia.us or by calling Kathy Ridnour at 515-239-1713. A copy can also be found on the Keep Iowa Beautiful Web site: keepiowabeautiful.com.

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