The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet is now accepting grant proposals for projects that promote the use of recycled Kentucky end-of-life tires.

As reported by Kentucky Today, the Cabinet will provide grant funding for landscaping mulch projects, walking trails, poured-in-place playgrounds, sidewalks or other surfaces, horse trailer or stall mats, tree wells or other products utilizing recycled tires from Kentucky.

Projects that are not eligible for grants include athletic field or loose crumb rubber playground applications, tire-derived aggregate, tire-derived fuel, rubber-modified asphalt or civil engineering projects.

“With this grant program, the cabinet promotes innovative uses for recycled tires,” said Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “We're excited to see this commodity being used in a number of valuable products. As a result, we're able to help grow tire recycling markets across the state, encourage proper management of waste tires, and minimize illegal dumps.”

Grant funding comes from the Waste Tire Trust Fund, established in 1998 by the Kentucky General Assembly to receive fees collected from new tire sales. The applicant will provide match funding equal to at least 25 percent of the project cost.

Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on April 1, 2021, at the Division of Waste Management’s central office in Frankfort. The application and any supporting documentation must be submitted in order for the application to be considered. Applications can be emailed or mailed to Lisa Evans, Division of Waste Management, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, KY 40601.

For more information, contact Lisa Evans at 502-782-6355 or lisa.evans@ky.gov. Additional information and the grant application are online at the division’s website.

Article by Kentucky Today.