December 5, 2018 – The City of Wilsonville is now accepting project nominations for the Wilsonville-Metro Community Enhancement Program, which offers local stakeholders an opportunity to seek funding for projects beneficial to the community.
Eligible projects can improve the appearance or environmental quality of the community, increase reuse and recycling opportunities or improve recreational areas and programs.
Projects may be nominated until Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, at the City’s website: www.ci.wilsonville.or.us/CEP. Anyone may nominate a project for consideration, including local businesses or other organizations submitting a sponsored-project nomination.
Proposals are evaluated by the Wilsonville-Metro Community Enhancement Committee, composed of four community members (Purity Case, David Davis, Amanda Johnson and Jimmy Lee), two City Council members and Metro Councilor Craig Dirksen. Award announcements are expected in early spring.
Funded by a per-ton charge on biodegradable solid-waste, the Community Enhancement Program is provided to all cities with a waste-transfer facility, including the Willamette Resources Inc. facility in Wilsonville operated by Republic Services.
Metro estimates about $90,000 in community enhancement funds are available to Wilsonville to support projects that “rehabilitate and enhance” city areas. Funds may be distributed annually or accumulated for up to three years to underwrite a larger project. Projects, which must be located within city limits, are funded to start on or after July 1, 2019, and must be completed in two years.
Project goals can include:
- Improving the appearance or environmental quality of the community.
- Reducing the amount or toxicity of waste and increase reuse and recycling opportunities.
- Upgrading property owned or operated by a nonprofit organization.
- Preserving or enhancing wildlife habitat, riparian zones, wetlands, forest lands, and/or improving the public awareness and access.
- Expanding recreational areas and programs.
- Benefiting underserved populations.
A wide array of projects have been funded in recent years, including the development of a community Arts, Heritage and Culture Strategic Plan, the Memorial Park dog park renovation, the “Bee Stewards” pollinator improvement project and many others.
For more information, contact Zoe Monahan, Assistant to the City Manager, at 503-570-1503; monahan@ci.wilsonville.or.us.
Source: City of Wilsonville. 12.5.18, Photo of Willamette River pier by E. Swyt.