You may not think of the local utility as a source for community improvement grants, but
Traverse City Light and Power is hoping to change that.
The electric company's latest round of grants total $54,000 from its Community Investment Fund program, which grants funds for specific projects to Traverse City-area non-profit groups. The projects must be in the realms of community development, environment, and energy-related education.
The program actually started back in 2003, and since then, TC L&P has contributed more than $500,000 to local projects through the fund, with continued demand in recent years, says Mike Coco, who is chairman of the L&P Board of Directors.
"Our 2009 Customer Survey shows that nearly 75 percent of customers said it was important that L&P provides grants to local non-profit organizations to improve the community and natural resources or conduct energy-related educational programs," says Coco.
Traverse City Area Public Schools is one recipient of this year's grants, getting $3,000 to help fund the district's SCI-MA-TECH program., and $4,500 to help first, third and fourth graders study electricity, magnets and motors.
Some lake-inspired grants also were given out. The City of Traverse City received $15,000 to fund a universal small boat launch, as part of the city's Bay Front Improvement Plan. Traverse Area Community Sailing got $5,000 to help with the purchase of more boats, while $12,000 went to the Inland Seas Education Association to help ten Traverse City schools take part in the Great Lakes Schoolship program.
Then, $5,000 went to the Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation for lighting and sound reinforcement of the Grand Lawn gazebo, and $10,000 went to TART Trails for development of the Buffalo Ridge trail.
Traverse City L&P is a community-owned, municipal utility that serves more than 10,000 customers in Traverse City, as well as Blair, East Bay, Elmwood, Garfield, Peninsula and Paradise townships.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Mike Coco, Traverse City Light & Power
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