Lexington City Council members got an update Tuesday on the city’s Lex Grow Trees program, which will begin accepting grant applications Friday. Up to $500,000 in grants will be available. Urban Forestry Manager Heather Wilson told members of the Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee about the benefits of trees, including storm water management.
“Not only do they stop the rain or slow the rain from coming down from the sky through funneling down through their tree branches and their trunk, but they also absorb thousands of gallons of water every time we have a rain event. So the more trees we have, the more water is absorbed out of that system that doesn't make it into our waterways.”
After the presentation and a Q and A session, the committee voted unanimously for a resolution to authorize the program. Wilson told the committee they want all sorts of groups and people to apply for the program.
“Nonprofits, for profit companies, neighborhood associations, HOAs, church groups, school groups, we're working on a process for individual homeowners to be able to apply for funds for trees to be planted on their property as well.”
Grant applications will be accepted through April 26, with another round scheduled to open this fall. Lexington Environmental Quality & Public Works is a financial supporter of WEKU.
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