MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (October 12, 2016) – Does your landscaping need a makeover after Hurricane Matthew? If so, take advantage of this opportunity to “spruce” it up with Tree Bank funding! The Town of Mount Pleasant Culture, Arts and Pride Commission wants to remind residents of the Tree Bank Program available to all civic clubs, groups or individuals who want to enhance the local area. This program provides financial assistance for tree planting projects located within publicly accessible areas such as street right-of-ways, public parks, school yards, residential common areas, and churches. The deadline to submit an application is October 30, 2016.
As residents, you’ve seen the broken limbs and fallen trees caused by Hurricane Matthew. By planting new trees in your neighborhood or community, you can truly affect the quality of life. The applications favorably selected are submissions that impact the greatest number of Mount Pleasant residents. The grant primarily provides funds for the planting of canopy trees, many of which were damaged by the hurricane.
The program is a matching grant program. The Town provides 50 percent of the cost of planting trees. The cost-share grant varies between $500 and $2,000. Recommendations are forwarded to Council for review and approval.
“Planting trees can be quite costly and it may be the last thing on your mind in the aftermath of a hurricane,” says Katherine Hendricks, Assistant Town Administrator. “The Tree Bank Grant program is an excellent opportunity for individuals and groups to boost green space without adding a financial burden.”
The grant recipient must first pay all costs and complete the project before receiving reimbursement from the Town. A Town employee will verify compliance with the program, perform a site inspection and issue reimbursement funds. In most cases, the applicant is responsible for the watering and maintenance of the trees. Projects located within South Carolina Department of Transportation’s rights-of-way may qualify to be maintained by the Town.
Remember- beauty is not the only reason tree planting is a priority for the Town of Mount Pleasant. According to the United States Forest Service, when a 50-year-old tree thrives, it contributes $62,500 in air pollution control, $31,250 in soil erosion control and $37,500 in recycling water and controlling humidity. Support your community today and apply for the Tree Bank Grant!
Parties interested in pursuing grant funding may call the Cultural Affairs and Tourism Office at 843.849.5343. The application is available online at www.tompsc.com.