The City of North Platte announced today that it will receive $635,000 from the Nebraska Environmental Trust for the “North Platte Tree Shredder” project. The Trust Board announced funding for the project at its April 4th meeting in Lincoln.
Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful helped the City secure the grant through the proposal process. The Tree Shredder Project permits funds to spend on a tree shredder to be placed at the transfer station that will allow trees to be mulched into compostable material. Currently, yard waste collected is turned into compost through Bio-Ag Solutions and used as a soil amendment for farm and home gardens.
The tree grinder is needed to keep up with current demand. With the threat of Emerald Ash Borer upon us, this will give an outlet to process the excess tree stock that will be created from this threat. A total average of 180 tons per month is being ground for compost and this project will provide for an added 50 tons per month. Additionally, mulch will be provided for individual use for Lincoln County residents free of charge at the transfer station as supplies are available.
“I’m thrilled that we were able to assist in this process,” said Mona Anderson, Executive Director for Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful. “It’s a win, win situation for our community – we are helping the environment, the City will save time and energy, and a product is being created that will help farmers in our area.”
The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Environmental Trust in 1992. Using revenue from the Nebraska Lottery, the Trust has provided over $305 million in grants to over 2,200 projects across the state. Anyone – citizens, organizations, communities, farmers, and businesses – can apply for funding to protect habitat, improve water quality and establish recycling programs in Nebraska. The Nebraska Environmental Trust works to preserve, protect and restore our natural resources for future generations.