(AP) — Nebraska is awarding $1.93 million in grants to support more than 100 tire recycling and cleanup projects throughout the state.

Department of Environmental Quality director Mike Linder says the grant money comes from a $1 fee for every new tire purchased in Nebraska. Nebraska residents generate more than 1.5 million scrap tires each year, according to the department.

The grants will reimburse individuals, groups and local governments for crumb rubber purchases. Linder says they will prevent public health and environmental problems by eliminating tire piles.