Grants fund local environmental projects in eastern Madison County

Marine, New Douglas, Troy and Worden have been awarded grants by Madison County Planning & Development Department for environmental projects.

Grants are typically focused on storm water control, water quality and energy conservation, but this year saw an expansion into more community-based projects, including funding for community gardens, a rain garden and development of a bike-pedestrian master plan, which benefited local communities.

The city of Troy will receive $15,000 for a multi-use path along Spring Valley Road.

The village of Worden will get $14,400 for a rain garden to mitigate flooding at the cemetery.

The village of Marine was awarded $11,530 for a solar-powered aeration system for Heritage Park Lake, and New Douglas Township will receive $3,983 for rain barrels and community garden infrastructure.

The grants program was established in 2001 and is funded by local landfill fees, which are required by law to be spent on environmental projects.

“Using landfill generated money to fund environmental projects for townships and municipalities allows the county to invest in every area of the county,” said Madison County Board Chairman Alan Dunstan. “The projects funded by these grants continue creating a better and more sustainable environment for Madison County, something that will benefit residents for years to come.”

In total, Madison County government awarded 13 grants this year, totaling $163,835 to townships and municipalities for sustainability initiatives. The grants program has funded more than 100 projects over the last 16 years.

This story was originally published July 16, 2016 at 8:35 AM with the headline "Grants fund local environmental projects in eastern Madison County."