The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is seeking non-profit organizations to apply for grant money to purchase playground covers, running tracks or other end markets for finely ground crumb rubber that are made from scrap rubber.. Applications are due by Feb. 5.
The agency has around $145,000 to fund these projects next year. Since starting the program in 1994 the agency has awarded more than $1.37 million to 296 organizations for these projects.
Due to pending changes in the Americans with Disabilities Act rules, the department will give preference to applicants planning to use rubber mats or pour-in-place rubber materials. Applicants seeking mats or pour-in-place surfacing will be eligible to receive up to $10,000 while those requesting loose, shredded material will be eligible for up to $5,000.
The department is using 5 percent of the 50-cent-per-tire fee collected when new tires are purchased in Missouri. The fee also finances the cleanup of illegal scrap tire dumps, and inspection and enforcement activities. The 50-cent fee is currently set to expire on Jan. 1, 2010, unless it is renewed.
For more information on scrap tire material grants, contact the department's Solid Waste Management Program at (573) 751-5401 or visit the department's Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/tires/tirefinassistance.htm