© 2017 friends of grand rapids parks
So perhaps it's no surprise that half of the $25,000 prize Heartwell got last week from the U.S. Conference of Mayors will be allocated to Friends of Grand Rapids Parks...for tree planting.
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The other half will go the West Michigan Environmental Action Council, a Grand Rapids non-profit whose executive director appeared in a video that showcased the city's energy initiatives to U.S. mayors in Orlando last week. See the video here.
WMEAC will use the money to create a community resiliency plan aimed at preparing Grand Rapids for climate changes and energy volatility. Some initiatives related to that broad plan will be introduced to donors at a fundraiser next week.
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One of WMEAC's current projects involves working with Grand Rapids on a plan for storm sewer maintenance. City Commission on July 24 will hear a recommendation for a storm water user fee to fund costs of the system.
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