COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) -The Branch County Board of Commissioners voted during their work session Thursday to bring forward to next week’s meeting formal action on a $1,000 commitment toward a local match that would be part of a recycling grant from the State of Michigan.
The Branch Conservation District, along with Biz Aid LLC, is seeking $14,500 for the local match. The grant is available from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Samantha Buterbaugh from Biz Aid LLC says they would use the grant funds to buy a large compactor.
Biz Aid is located on Darling Drive in Coldwater. They have been offering a recycling collection program for all of Branch County since 2013.
Buterbaugh says they have already gotten financial support from private partners and municipalities.
Among the businesses that have pledged financial support are Sport Truck, A.P. Products and H.C. Stark.
Branch Conservation District Executive Director Kathy Worst says the proposed equipment is necessary to promote and grow the program. Without the equipment, Worst feels the recycling program would be in jeopardy of closing.
