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).
Allen was honored with the Governor’s Community Achievement Award during the Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) Conference on June 22. It is one of the most prestigious environmental awards in Texas.
This is the second time the City of Allen has received this award, also winning in 2012. KTB affiliates are only eligible to win once every three years
The award recognizes multiple organizations within the city that contributed to beautification and community improvement, including the Allen Garden Club, Master Gardeners, Students of Service, Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts and Change the World Allen. It also celebrates the efforts of the city’s Community Development Block Grant program and Live.Love.Allen.
The city plans to combine this year’s $270,000 award with the winnings from 2012 to create a landmark entry point along US 75 near Allen Drive. The Allen Community Development Corporation and Public Art Committee matched funding from the original $270,000 award, giving the city more than $800,000 to spend on the project.
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.