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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Diane C. Birdwell @512-478-8813
Friday, May 25, 2001

KEEP TEXAS BEAUTIFUL ANNOUNCES ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS
Plano Wins Top Award!

(Austin, Texas) - Who Keeps Texas Beautiful? The citizens of Plano do, that's who. Plano is one of nine communities presented the Governor's Community Achievement Award by Keep Texas Beautiful, Inc. (KTB) and will share $1,000,000 in landscaping prizes from the Texas Department of Transportation for excellence in community environmental programming. The City of Plano and Keep Plano Beautiful will be recognized at the 34th Annual Keep Texas Beautiful Convention in Fort Worth, June 26 - June 29, 2001 for their efforts.

Keep Plano Beautiful (KPB), an affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful, had an incredible year with much of the success coming from the outstanding volunteer spirit of the citizens of Plano as well as strong partnerships with government entities, media, and businesses.

KPB's win is attributed to the organization's focus on a number of important elements to help keep Plano beautiful and clean. Participation in the Don't Mess with Texas Trash-Off and creation of community dumpster and median receptacle programs has resulted in an overall reduction in litter accumulation. A new anti-litter campaign, which centers on Luey the Litter Awareness Bug includes a VW bug donated by The Volkswagen Store of Plano. The Trash-Off resulted in collection of twelve tons of trash and debris by volunteers from scout troops, student groups, and environmental clubs.

Government entities have also contributed to the success of KPB's mission. A partnership with Plano Independent School District integrated education on litter prevention. KPB and school PTA's implemented a district wide recycling program.

The Public Works and Health departments joined KPB to educate citizens on litter's impact on storm water. The Fire Department and KPB promoted the Household Hazardous Waste Reuse Center and educated citizens about proper chemical use and disposal.

The Plano community is constantly informed due to KPB's dedication to public awareness. Their volunteers and staff gave a total of 756 presentations that reached 52,000 people. KPB sponsored compost training and Yardwise workshops, and published the Environmental News newsletter, Waste Matters, which was distributed to PISD schools, and utility bill inserts promoting the Trash-Off.

Beautification efforts by KPB partnered with the Parks Department allowed the planting of 2,500 trees in city parks, medians, and schools. This partnership also encouraged participation in its Adopt-a-Park program and garnered support for its wildflower planting program. KPB co-sponsored Arbor Day, and encourages xeriscaping, which allowed one hundred percent of city landscaping to incorporate native plants and trees. KPB emphasizes neighborhood beautification, and made over 175 presentations to encourage individuals and groups to come together and work toward reducing litter and addressing deterioration issues.

This marks the 32nd Annual Governor's Community Achievement Awards, which are presented to communities in nine population categories that have the best grassroots volunteer environmental programs in the state. The communities exhibited excellence in community leadership, litter prevention, public awareness, education, solid waste management and recycling, illegal dumping enforcement and beautification. These prizes are designated for landscaping along state-maintained highways in their communities.

According to Debbie Moody, KTB board president, the quality of the entries from the communities was exceptional. "It's obvious the citizens of Plano are committed to environmental stewardship and to making their city the most outstanding community in Texas. This year's awards have proven that one can make a difference," she said. "One scout troop, one civic organization, or one local business can make a recognizable difference in their community."

Keep Texas Beautiful, the nonprofit state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, strives to empower Texans through education to take responsibility for enhancing their community's environment. KTB works with volunteers, elected officials, businesses and state and federal agencies to ensure that every Texan has the opportunity to take individual responsibility for making Texas the cleanest, most beautiful state in the nation. For more information on programs and events, call 1-800-CLEAN-TX or visit the website at www.ktb.org.

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