Iowa Ag News Headlines Small Iowa Communities Can Apply for Beautification Grants Iowa Ag Connection - 07/30/2010 Grant applications are now being accepted for small Iowa communities to improve and beautify their main streets, town squares and neighborhoods. The DNR's Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) is providing up to $200,000 in funding for the grants, with Keep Iowa Beautiful administering the grant program. The Community Beautification Grant Program comes in response to legislation passed earlier this year. "This program will not only enhance the aesthetics of these small communities, but also improve natural resources and enrich the quality of life for citizens," said Brian Tormey, DNR Land Quality Bureau chief. The grant program is available to any public or nonprofit organization in communities with populations of 5,000 or less. Eligible projects include: -- Litter prevention, removal, education, public awareness -- Recycling education, program implementation, public awareness -- Beautification programs: flower, tree and shrub planting, painting, fix-up and general landscaping -- Public nuisance abatement -- Derelict buildings: removal and renovation, including asbestos abatement and removal, recovery and recycling of reusable materials, and the purchase of recycled-content materials used in renovation efforts Maximum grants are $5,000 for beautification and $15,000 for derelict building projects. Grant applications and detailed information are available at the Keep Iowa Beautiful website: www.keepiowabeautiful.com. Applications must be postmarked no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, 2010. Electronic and e-mail applications are accepted. The successful grant applicants will be notified by Sept. 3. The submitted grant requests will be reviewed by a review team of individuals from Keep Iowa Beautiful, Iowa DNR, Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations, Iowa Recycling Association, League of Cities and the Iowa Department of Economic Development. Copyright © 2010 - USAgNet.com. All Rights Reserved.