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JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded nearly $238,000 in scrap tire grants to 15 nonprofit organizations around the state to promote the beneficial use of scrap tire materials for use in playgrounds, tracks and other projects.

The department is able to provide the Scrap Tire Surface Material Grants through the state’s Scrap Tire Fee, a 50-cent-per-tire fee collected on new tires sold in Missouri.  The department also uses the fee to finance cleanup of illegal scrap tire dumps, inspections, enforcement and permitting activities.

“The department’s scrap tire grants support Gov. Nixon’s initiative to use green innovative technology to improve the environment, help create jobs and stimulate Missouri’s economy,” said Sara Parker Pauley, Director of the Department of Natural Resources. “These grant projects also support the department’s goal to reduce the amount of waste disposed of in landfills and encourage the beneficial uses that are gained from recycling scrap tires.”

The department awarded the 15 grants for projects in 12 counties throughout Missouri:

·    Randolph County – Westran R-1 School - $20,000 grant.

·    Linn County – Walt Disney Elementary - $16,100 grant.

·    Jefferson County – Dunklin R-V School - $4,100 grant.

·    Maries County – Maries County R-2 - $20,000 grant.

·    Cole County – Jefferson City Day Care Center - $20,000 grant.

·    Butler County – Poplar Bluff R-I School - $19,997.50 grant.

·    Macon County – Macon County R-I - $7,270.50 grant.

·    St. Louis County –Richmond Heights - $10,000 grant.

·    Jefferson County – Northwest R-I School, Brennan Woods - $17,000 grant.

·    Jefferson County – Northwest R-I School, High Ridge - $19,900 grant.

·    Jefferson County – Northwest R-I School, Northwest Early Childhood Center - $20,000 grant.

·    Adair County – Kirksville R-III Primary School - $20,000 grant.

·    Taney County – Hollister R-V School - $20,000 grant.

·    Greene County –Willard - $6,563.85 grant.

·    Clay County –Liberty - $16,950 grant.

Nonprofit organizations including schools, day care centers and parks may apply to the department for the grant funds.  The department has awarded more than $2 million to 319 organizations since the grants became available in 1994.  The department is committed to working closely with communities to assist with funding efforts that support scrap tire recycling efforts.

For more information on the Scrap Tire Surface Material Grants, please contact the Department of Natural Resources’ Solid Waste Management Program at 800-361-4827 or 573-751-5401 or visit the website at dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/tires/tirelist.htm.