Waukon awarded funds through "Branching Out"

Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), an Alliant Energy company, and Trees Forever announced that they will award $134,198.70 to 49 Iowa communities and/or organizations through their Branching Out program this spring. Among those awarded funds is a $2,000 grant distributed to the City of Waukon.
Branching Out is a nationally-recognized grant program through which Alliant Energy, Trees Forever and local community leaders work together to fund and implement tree-planting projects. The program is designed to encourage energy efficiency, environmental awareness and community involvement in Iowa.
“Energy efficiency and sustainability are important to us and we believe our investment in tree planting and education will help our customers learn more about the benefits that trees have to offer,” said Tom Aller, President-Interstate Power and Light. “We care about the communities we serve and welcome the opportunity to help them become greener.”
Branching Out is offered exclusively to Iowa communities where Alliant Energy provides electric and/or natural gas service. The utility provides grants of between $500 and $10,000 for community-based, tree-planting projects – like parks, gateways, cemeteries, nature trails, libraries, nursing homes, schools and more. Trees Forever administers the program, providing technical and planning support.
Since the start of the Branching Out program in 1989, more than 1.1 million trees and seedlings have been planted. Environmentally, the trees planted represent a kilowatt hour savings of 14,550,629 – or enough energy to power more than 1,500 average-size residential homes for one year.
“The long-term results of ongoing tree planting definitely have a positive impact on the environment and will help sustain Iowa communities for future generations,” added Aller. “Planting trees is of great benefit to everyone.”
“Every Branching Out project focuses on long-term tree care with a special emphasis on energy efficiency and conservation,” said Shannon Ramsay, president and CEO of Trees Forever. “We are pleased to continue a 20-year partnership with Alliant Energy in a combined effort to educate Iowans on the importance of trees and improve our environment one community at a time.”
Branching Out grant applications are accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year, but are considered for funding during two grant-making cycles (spring and fall). The next application deadline is June 1, 2010. Fall 2010 grant recipients will be announced in August.