The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (economic stimulus plan) calls for “shovel ready” projects that will make an immediate economic impact. The projected date to move legislation through the U.S. Senate is mid-February. Will the stimulus plan deliver the impact needed to jump start local economies? And will the procurement process be quick enough to initiate projects for the needed immediate impact?

The Coca-Cola/NRC Recycling Bin Grant Program supports local community recycling programs by providing bins to selected organizations for the collection of beverage container recyclables in public settings. Grants will be provided to a limited number of applicants who can demonstrate how their proposals will lead to sustainable recycling opportunities. The program offers recycling bins designed for use at community events or functions, public facilities, and programs or events conducted by applicants. Government agencies, civic groups, schools, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit companies are all eligible to participate in this program. Online applicants must be submitted through the website listed below by October 17, 2008.

Coca-Cola/NRC Recycling Bin Grant Program

I get a lot of different questions about grants and funding.

I recently received an email from Howard, clerk for the Town of Agenda, Ashland County, Wis. He is inquiring if there are any grants available to a township for constructing a new municipal building which will consist of offices, community room, bathrooms, and a garage/shop.

If anyone has any information on this, your comment would be appreciated.

Randy Calleja of New Richmond, WI, is looking for a grant for a Township Emergency Disaster Center. He is the owner of R@D Catering and Banquet Center also a BP Gas Station. They recently put in a generator which cost us $85,000.00. They think it would be great to have our facility open to the Richmond Township residents which equals 2900 people. The building is totally a brick building that holds up to 700. They would also have gas for emergency vehicles for the township, along with food and water available and they have plenty of restrooms. Richmond Township would have priority in a disaster situation. The grant would be used to help pay for the generator, emergency equipment to include cots, sleeping blankets etc. 

Please feel free to comment.

Here is a question from Judy Baierl, Clerk of Town of Humboldt.

"We are looking for funds available to help build a new Town Hall/Community Center. Any information would be appreciated." 

Mike Stumpf, AICP, CEcD, Senior Community Planner, R.A. Smith National comments,

"I was involved in a project a few years back that used CDBG-Public Facilities to offset portions of the cost of a community center. It is not a common use of the funds, but it can be done depending on the uses within the building and area median income. Commerce funding priorities may influence availability." 

Please feel free to comment.