During the 2009 legislative sessions, the Missouri General Assembly renewed a 50-cent scrap tire fee collected on the sale of new tires. Revenues generated from the scrap tire fee are deposited into the Scrap Tire Subaccount. According to statutory requirements, the Scrap Tire Subaccount is then awarded to organizations such as schools, parks, non-profit day care centers, or other not-for-profit organizations.

Grants that may qualify and be approved for funding are the cost and delivery of scrap tire surface material for playgrounds, running tracks, walking trails or other surfacing projects.  There are two grant categories: Playground and Non-playground surface materials.

Playground Scrap Tire Surface Material Grant – Approximately $200,000 is available.  Grant recipients requesting mats or pour-in-place surface material will be eligible to receive up to $20,000; while those asking for loose surface material are eligible to receive up to $10,000.

Non-playground Scrap Tire Surface Material Grant – Approximately $200,000 is also available.  Projects that would qualify in this category are running tracks, walking trails, equine/livestock stalls, riding area or similar types of projects.  Grant recipients requesting mats or pour-in-place surface material will be eligible to receive up to $100,000; while those asking for loose surface material are eligible to receive up to $50,000.

For additional information, visit MDNR’s website at http://dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/tires/tirefinassistance.htm