By Indiana American Water—
GREENWOOD, IN—Indiana American Water has announced that it is awarding a total of $10,000 to four organizations across the state as part of its 2023 Environmental Grant Program. Winners include the City of Muncie, the Tippecanoe County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Town of Clarksville Youth Council and the Student Conservation Association.
Established in 2005, the company’s Environmental Grant Program offers funds for innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and/or ground water supplies in communities served by Indiana American Water.
“More than a dozen organizations responded to our call for entries this year as part of our Environmental Grant Program,” said Indiana American Water President Matt Prine. “We appreciate the dedication and focus these groups have to protecting and enhancing our local waterways. Our water resources are an important part of our daily lives and the quality of life in each of the communities we serve, and we’re pleased to help each of these organizations make a difference through these projects.”
The 2023 Indiana American Water Environmental Grant Program Winners Are:
City of Muncie—Awarded $4,500
Riverview Park Bioswale & Prairie Planting Improvements—Funds will be used to improve water quality by installing a vegetated bioswale to capture runoff at Riverview Park that currently discharges to Holt Ditch within 50 feet of convergence with the White River. The project includes removal of invasive species, installation of pollinator-friendly plants, new trees and educational signage. Project benefits include reducing flooding and storm water runoff and the associated pollution into the White River, a water source for Indiana American Water. The project will also remove invasive species and install native planting that will help to filter pollutants and sediment from water exiting the site.
Tippecanoe County Soil & Water Conservation District—Awarded $1,500
Native Plant Fest—Funds will be used to purchase materials for the 2023 Native Plant Fest at Ross Camp in West Lafayette, Ind. The program provides several benefits to the area, including providing habitat for native wildlife, improving water quality and raising awareness within the community to encourage local citizens to make more informed and sustainable land management decisions.
Town of Clarksville Youth Council—Awarded $2,000
Planting With a Purpose—Funds will be used to purchase trees for various locations in Clarksville, including at least one tree on the property of each school represented in the Youth Council. The group plans to use the event to promote watershed protection among local youth. The project will provide numerous environmental benefits, including enhancing water quality by reducing storm water runoff and pollution into local streams,
Student Conservation Association – Awarded $2,000
Calumet Summer Tree Conservation Care Program—Funds will be used to purchase supplies and tools for the Student Conservation Association’s summer tree conservation care program in northwest Indiana. The SCA is a nonprofit organization that has been planning trees in Gary, Ind. for more than five years, with more than 4,500 trees under their care in the region. As a commitment for the resiliency of the trees, the organization cares for these trees through watering, mulching and pruning for three years after planting. Tree plantings in the area provide several environmental and quality of life benefits, including conserving water and reducing storm water runoff and the associated erosion and pollution, providing wildlife habitat, reducing flooding and noise pollution, and providing oxygen and lowering the surrounding air temperature.
About Indiana American Water
Indiana American Water, a 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 1.4 million people.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs approximately 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable, and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
