Program supports efforts to beautify communities
PEWAUKEE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. this month launched a planting program to support tree and vegetation planting in communities in its service area. Under the program, eligible cities, villages, towns, counties and tribes may apply for financial support for planting projects on public property within their community.
“As an owner and operator of the area electric transmission system, it is our responsibility to keep trees and brush out of the rights-of-way of our power lines for safety and reliability reasons,” said ATC Environmental and Local Relations Manager Greg Levesque. “While we can’t allow trees and brush in our rights-of-way, we do understand that they are an important part of the community landscape. This program helps us support efforts to beautify communities in a manner that is consistent with our safety and maintenance standards.”
To qualify, communities must commit that all current and future planting plans and urban forestry activities near high-voltage electric transmission lines will comply with ATC’s maintenance standards. Priority will favor projects that promote safety and reliability of the transmission system by supporting right-of-way best management practices and keeping trees out of the right-of-way.
ATC will accept program applications June 1 through Sept. 30 each year, and recipients will be selected by the end of the calendar year. Awards will range from $100 to $5,000.
Additional information, including a program brochure and eligibility information, is available on the ATC website: http://www.atcllc.com/learning-center/trees-and-vegetation/grow-smart-and-safely-in-your-community/.
