JOPLIN, MO, Aug. 5, 2014 -- On Monday, Aug. 5, Missouri American Water announced that seven local watershed-related projects will receive funding from the company's annual Environmental Grant Program.
These grants are part of American Water's national Environmental Grant Program, which began in 2005. The grants support innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore and/or protect watersheds and community water supplies through partnerships.
The 2014 grant recipients are:
- Missouri River Relief for the "Big Muddy Home Waters" cleanup. These community-based cleanups of trash from the Missouri River in Brunswick, Jefferson City and St. Joseph will include river education days for local high school students and will consist of volunteers from across the state.
- The Alliance of Southwest Missouri located in Joplin will use funds for the purchase and promotion of permanent prescription drug drop-off boxes. This project is a collaborative effort among many organizations, including Joplin Schools, Jasper County Sheriffs and the Joplin Police Department.
- The City of Ballwin will replace the traditional asphalt parking lot in Ferris Park with permeable paving and plantings to decrease runoff.
- Ranken Technical College was awarded funds to be used for their "Water World Explorers Camp," a week-long program that is part of the Career Exploration Academy led by Ranken faculty and industry experts targeting economically-disadvantaged middle and high school students.
- Table Rock Lake Community Service, Inc. will restore native trees and shrubs destroyed during a highway widening project in Kimberling City. "Replant Kimberling" will use volunteers from the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce and Kimberling City Parks and Recreation.
- The St. Joseph Youth Alliance will use funds to create an awareness campaign for the Drug Free Community Coalition. The "Xtreme Teens" will stress safety through proper disposal of unused prescription medication.
- Earth Dance, an Organic Farm School located in Ferguson, will educate approximately 150 homeowners how to implement water management landscaping. Simple and low-cost approaches are introduced to mitigate stormwater runoff, which can directly impact the watershed.
See also:
"American Water announces 2014 Environmental Grant Award recipients"
"American Water announces 2013 Environmental Grant Award recipients"
About Missouri American Water
Missouri American Water, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 14 million people in more than 40 states, and parts of Canada. For more information, visit www.amwater.com.
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