Jan. 3, 2001 – Individuals and groups with an interest in keeping the islands of the territory green or making them greener may be able to obtain federal funds for their favorite projects.
According to Agriculture Commissioner Henry Schuster Jr., the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program has about $148,000 in federal grant money to be awarded in the territory through the 2002 Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program.
The program aims to encourage citizens to become more involved in creating and sustaining forestry programs. Grants will be made for projects intended to ensure the protection or establishment of trees, forests and related natural resources in the local community.
Schuster said applicants can seek funding for more than one project, and large-scale projects can be funded in phases over two or more years. Not-for-profit organizations, territorial government agencies, schools and individuals can apply for grants.
Each grant must be matched locally, with local entites contributing at least 25 percent to federal funding of 75 percent. "This match may include in-kind donations, volunteer assistance and private and public, non-federal, monetary contributions," Schuster said. "The recommended range for proposals is $1,000 to $20,000, and the maximum funding to a single applicant is $20,000 a year," he added.
For further information and a 2002 Proposal Packet, contact Belinda Esham, Urban and Community Forestry coordinator at the V.I. Agriculture Department. She can be reached by mail at #1 Estate Lower Love, Kingshill, St. Croix 00850; by telephone at either 778-0998 or 778-0997, est. 233; and by e-mail at V.I. trees. The deadline for submitting proposals is Feb. 28.
