Communities across Alabama will receive cash grants to purchase trees for parks, schoolyards and other public spaces under a partnership between the Alabama Power Foundation and the Alabama Urban Forestry Association.

This year, the Urban and Community Tree Assistance Program is providing $40,000 in grants to 75 communities throughout the state. Over the past four years, more than $190,000 in grants have been distributed to more than 200 cities, counties, schools and community groups. The latest grants were announced this week.

The grant program, the only one of its kind in Alabama, is designed to encourage the planting of trees in urban and community settings. Many communities pair their tree grants with federal funds that can be used for projects such as tree-planting master plans or tree inventories. Those federal dollars, however, cannot be used to purchase trees.

"The Tree Assistance Program is a terrific way for communities to create or improve their green spaces for the betterment of Alabama's environment," said Shelley Green, executive director of the Alabama Urban Forestry Association.

"The Alabama Power Foundation is proud to provide the funds to help cities and counties, schools and non-profit organizations improve the environment and the quality of life in their communities," said Charles McCrary, Alabama Power president and CEO.

For more than a decade, the Alabama Power Foundation has helped fund thousands of worthy projects across the state. Supporting creative ways to preserve and enhance Alabama's natural beauty is one of the Foundation's top priorities.

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SOURCE: Alabama Power Foundation