Northern Panhandle RCD Council accepting grant applications

Applications are being accepted by the Northern Panhandle Resource Conservation and Development Council for the 2011 funding cycle from applicants in Hancock, Brooke, Ohio and Marshall counties.

The NPRCD Council is a partnership between local, state and federal agencies and organizations, focusing on land conservation and management, water management and community development.

The Northern Panhandle RCD was established in 1990 as a non-profit organization. Since its inception, almost 200 projects have been completed through financial and technical assistance from the NPRCD council and its partners. According to Nicole Viars, RCD Coordinator, she expecting to receive applications from municipalities, counties and local non-profit agencies. She said grants in the amount of $1,000 up to and including $5,000 have been distributed in previous years. She said projects include playground, ball field and park improvements; development of outdoor classrooms; restoration of historical sites; community center renovations; and business development training.

"We are looking for agencies or municipalities to partner up or be able to put sweat equity into the project," said Viars.

The application deadline is Jan. 15. Requests are accepted via regular mail, fax and e-mail.

More information about the organization and areas of focus is available on our Web site: nprcd.org.

(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)