The City of Allen will receive more than a quarter of a million dollars to fund a highway landscaping project, thanks to the work of Keep Allen Beautiful (KAB).
KAB won Category 8 of the Governor’s Community Achievement Award (GCAA) during the Keep Texas Beautiful Conference on June 22. It is one of the most prestigious environmental awards in Texas. The GCAA are awarded in 10 different categories, based on population. These awards are a joint effort between the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB).
This is the second time KAB has earned the Governor’s Community Achievement Award. KTB affiliates are only eligible to win once every three years. The winnings from 2012 will be combined with the 2016 prize to create a unique landscape feature along a state right-of-way, such as US 75.
KAB earned accolades in additional categories, including recognition as a Gold Star Affiliate and for Sustained Excellence for consistently earning a 90 or above on their GCAA application each year since they became a KTB affiliate. KAB volunteer Mason Gray Moon earned second place in the Ruthe Jackson Youth Leadership Award.
Allen-based Finisar also received a prestigious honor thanks to a nomination from KAB. The KTB Ebby Halliday and Maurice Acers Business/Industry award in the State/National category was given to the local fiber optic company for their sound environmental principles.
KAB coordinates ongoing cleanup events, offers field trips and classroom presentations, holds environmentally-themed contests and coordinates the city’s largest cleanup events: Allen Recycles Day and the Great American Cleanup. It also hosts events to celebrate and enhance the Allen community, such as Earthfest and National Planting Day.
The Keep Texas Beautiful Awards recognize the best grassroots environmental programs in the state.