Texas Communities Are Encouraged to Apply for 2014 Governor’s Community Achievement Awards

Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) is now accepting applications for the 2014 Governor’s Community Achievement Awards (GCAA), one of the most prestigious annual  environmental awards programs in Texas.  In March 2014, a panel of judges will select ten communities to share in $2 million from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The funds are dedicated to landscaping projects along rights-of-way within the communities. 

The awards recognize the best grassroots environmental programs in the state and are broken up into ten different categories based on population size. The winner of the smallest population  category is a community with up to 3,000 residents and receives a $90,000 grant, while the winner of the largest category qualifies for $310,000 and is a city with more than 180,000  residents. Funds are distributed proportionately to the other eight communities.

Every community in Texas is eligible to apply for GCAA. A program is judged on achievement in seven different areas: community leadership and coordination; education; public awareness; litter prevention and cleanup; illegal dumping enforcement; beautification and property improvement and solid waste management.  KTB will formally recognize these communities during its 47th Annual Conference in Austin from June 23-25, 2014 at the Renaissance Hotel.

Communities interested in applying may download the 2014 application from the KTB website at http://www.ktb.org/programs/awards/governors-community-achievement-awards.aspx or call 

1-800-CLEAN-TX to request a copy.  Applications are due to KTB on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 by 5 pm.