Law enforcement will be better protected, teachers will have more money for the classroom and boy scouts will be better equipped at their next campout thanks to support from the Board of Directors of the East Montgomery County Improvement District and its Community Development Grant program (CDG).
The Board awarded checks totaling $128,957.51 to nine organizations at its regular meeting Thursday, December 11. CDGs are funded twice a year to governmental entities, non-profit corporations and other organizations for projects that improve the quality of life for residents in East Montgomery County. Applicants must have at least 33 percent matching funds for their projects.
Since 1998, EMCID has provided nearly $18 million in funds to the community in the form of CDGs, special projects for the Emergency Service Districts, college scholarships for high school seniors, community festivals and economic development.
Recipients of the Fall 2014 CDGs are: Boy Scouts of America Troop 1011, City of Splendora, East Montgomery County Fair Association, Friends of R.B. Tullis Library, Montgomery County Constable Precinct 4, New Caney ISD Education Foundation, Roman Forest Police Department, Splendora High School Theatre Arts, and the Twin City Lions Club.
In addition to the grants, EMCID presented its annual contribution to Emergency Services District #11 in the form of a check for $100,000.
Grants
Boy Scouts of America Troop 1011 - $1,668.13
Grant funds will purchase 10 tents, 10 vestibules for the tents and six Trail Chef Aluminum Cook Sets. The equipment will replace existing equipment that has reached its lifetime usefulness. The Troop has four to six fundraisers per year to enhance the scouting program and to teach the scouts youth development. Through community service, leadership and management opportunities, outdoor and lifesaving skills, developing citizenship and personal responsibilities, the leaders hope to instill a lifelong experience in their scouts.
City of Splendora - $25,594.00
Grant funds will go toward the start of Phase III of the city’s new park. This phase consists of a 30′ x 40′ pavilion, picnic table pads, picnic tables and trash receptacles. The city has already received funds for the new park for clearing, a parking lot and playground equipment. This facility will allow families to enjoy the playground equipment currently installed at the park. Citizens of all ages will enjoy the covered pavilion and have access for parties and other activities throughout the year. The installation of Phase III will greatly enhance quality of life for the citizens and all of East Montgomery County.
East Montgomery County Fair Association - $42,716.52
Grant funds will purchase four 20′ fans that will be installed in the East Montgomery County Fairgrounds Show Barn at Bull Sallas Park. These fans will help keep the livestock as well as exhibitors cooler during selection and show time. The East Montgomery County Fair is one of the largest community events of the year, with more than 10,000 spectators attending. The Fair benefits the youth through livestock exhibits, non-livestock exhibits, scholarships and educational opportunities.
Friends of R.B. Tullis Library - $5,000.00
Grant funds will purchase books, e-books, books on CD and DVD movies for the children’s, young adults and adult programs. Grant funds will help the library reach its goal of one book per citizen in East Montgomery County and increase circulation in the other libraries of the Montgomery County system.
Montgomery County Constable Precinct 4 - $12,341.30
Grant funds will pay for CopVu “Wearable” Video Cameras for all 24 deputies in the Precinct 4 office. The cameras, worn on the deputy’s uniform, will provide additional support to the in-car video systems already installed in units and will provide prosecutors with additional evidence. These cameras will help increase the safety of the officers as well as defendants.
New Caney ISD Education Foundation - $25,000.00
Grant funds will provide teachers with money for various projects in the classroom. The NCISDEF awards grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to teachers for innovative and creative projects that provide classroom experiences consistent with district-wide goals and priorities in regard to unique student learning experiences.
Roman Forest Police Department - $1,160.31
Grant funds will purchase a DWI and Distracted Driver Simulation Program which includes an activity mat with fatal vision goggles, distracted driving activity mat with impairment goggles and walk-the-line tape. These items will be used by the police department at community events to help promote awareness and prevention of driving while drunk and distracted driving.
Splendora High School Theatre Arts - $5,477.25
Grants funds will pay for Performance Royalties, rental box truck, driver and bus, travel expenses for 20 students and a variety of materials, supplies and equipment for their stage productions. The funds will help strengthen the theatre arts program and brighten the futures of children who are involved in the program.
Twin City Lions Club - $10,000.00
Grant funds will provide eye exams and eyeglasses for students in New Caney ISD who are unable to get these needs taken care of. The students are recommended to the Lions Club by the school nurses.