2016 Applications for Governor’s Community Achievement Awards due February 2016

For more than two decades, Keep Texas Beautiful, in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), has awarded the prestigious Governor’s Community Achievement Awards (GCAA) to ten Texas communities with the best grassroots environmental programs in the state each year.

The competition distributes $2 million in funding from TxDOT across the 10 communities, with the amount based on population size. The funds are used for landscaping projects along local rights-of-way. A community’s environmental program is judged on achievements in seven areas:

* Community Leadership and Coordination

* Public Awareness

* Education

* Beautification and Community Improvement

* Litter Prevention and Cleanup

* Solid Waste Management

* Litter Law and Illegal Dumping Enforcement

While many applications come from cities and towns that are part of the KTB affiliate network, that is not a requirement. The goal is to recognize communities who are working diligently to create and sustain comprehensive environmental and beautification programs.

Why should your community apply?

* Applying for the GCAA creates a written record of your community’s environmental achievements, helpful when applying for grants and state funding.

* Working toward the GCAA brings together various segments of the community, including schoolchildren, adult volunteers and law enforcement, creating a sense of community pride.

* Studies show that a focus on litter prevention and beautification has positive economic effects on the community, reducing crime rates, and increasing tourism and economic development.

For questions or more information, email [email protected].