The Sherburne County Board Tuesday approved a new policy for allocating SCORE funding.
The SCORE (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment) program was created as a state funding source for improving waste reduction, recycling, household hazardous waste and problem materials management.
The program typically funds city and township cleanup day events, household hazardous waste collections, yard waste collection sites, paper and cardboard recycling programs and educational newsletters.
Tuesday, Solid Waste Administrator David Lucas said in response to a request by the board in February, the solid waste advisory committee developed a policy that incorporates statutory use of monies and includes funding priorities as suggested by staff and the Committee.
“Priorities are determined based on the effectiveness of existing programs and what is needed to further advance the county’s goals of enhancing and increasing recycling and waste reduction,” said Lucas.
Included as part of the policy is a revised SCORE grant application that outlines which types of projects are eligible for funding.
Under the policy, priority will be given to applicants for projects that:
• Collect food waste and other types of source separated organics for composting at an MPCA permitted facility;
• Remove problem materials from the county’s waste stream for proper management at an MPCA permitted facility;
• Develop a comprehensive solid waste education outreach program for schools within Sherburne County.
The policy also allows funding up to $25,000 for capital improvement purchases for projects that clearly state a proposal to reduce problem materials that are currently being landfilled or expand the market for recyclable items currently not being accepted at the applicant’s facility for processing.
All SCORE grants for capital improvements require a 50% match by applicants.
“This policy is intended to more effectively use SCORE fund dollars by critically looking at current programs and determining where those needs are,” Lucas said.
Other Business
In other action the board:
• Renewed the office space agreement with Tri-CAP at $756 per month through Dec. 31, 2018;
• Renewed joint powers agreements between Sherburne County Community Corrections Dept., the State of Minnesota, Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to use systems and tools available over the state’s criminal justice data communications network;
• Approved applying for a DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant for up to $150,000 and a DNR Natural and Scenic Area grant for up to $500,000 to be used for the purchase of 171 acres adjacent to Island View Park;
• Appointed Mitch Glines as the county’s agricultural inspector.
