Media Corner

For Immediate Release
February 08, 2005

Central Basin Announces "California Friendly" Makeover Program Cities Could Receive up to $150,000 for Heritage Gardens

Carson, CA - To further promote water conservation to cities within its service area, Central Basin Municipal Water District is pleased to announce that the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) is currently accepting applications for its popular City Makeover Program.

The City Makeover Program was established in 2003 by MWD as a competitive grant program to provide funding for new heritage landscapes in prominent public locations within Southern California.

A Southern California heritage landscape features native and California-friendly plants that require less water to grow and maintain. State-of-the-art irrigation and controller systems should also be incorporated to maximize water savings. The goal is to involve the community in creating and sustaining an eye-catching landscape designed to promote water conservation.

Grants are available within four broad categories: institutional grants of up to $150,000 for institution-wide landscaping at three or more sites; signature grants of up to $75,000 for high-visibility public landscapes that feature native and California Friendly plants, state-of-the-art irrigation and strong community involvement and educational components; small parks and garden grants of up to $20,000 for smaller scale projects that feature landscape design and irrigation easily translatable in a residential garden; and next step grants available solely for past City Makeover grant recipients.

Cities, public agencies and non-profit or community-based organizations are eligible to apply as the lead applicants. Projects that have previously received City Makeover funds are not eligible for future project funding; however, they can apply for Next Step Educational Grants to enhance educational programs offered at the site. Each project must be located in a highly visible area, with frequent public access. The property should be in the public domain or within a public easement. Applications are due to MWD by 5 p.m. on March 30, 2005.

The City Makeover Program application may be downloaded from MWD's website at www.mwdh2o.com. For more information, please call (213) 217-6405.