Jasper County has officially opened the first grant application cycle for the voter-approved and funded $94 million Jasper County Greenbelt Fund.
The program supports land conservation, greenspace, protection of natural resources, agricultural and historic landscapes, and scenic corridors throughout Jasper County.
Applications are due Oct. 30. New application cycles are expected to open every three months.
The Jasper County Greenbelt Program is a one-percent, voter-funded initiative established as part of the J.C. Transportation Sales Tax Program set aside to preserve and protect land and habitat and enhancing quality of life through voter-approved investments, states the Jasper County government website.
Greenbelt initiatives include, but are not
limited to, purchasing property for conservation, purchasing conservation easements, creating passive greenspace, creating active greenspace, protecting natural resources, protecting agricultural or heritage landscapes, and protecting scenic corridors.
The grant program, modeled after successful conservation programs in Beaufort and Charleston counties, will be overseen by the Greenbelt Program Manager, the Wyche, PA law firm.
This program reflects Jasper County's commitment to balanced growth—investing not only in transportation infrastructure, but also in protecting the land and landscapes that define our community, say Jasper County officials.
Landowners, conservation organizations, and other interested parties are encouraged to apply and can find the application and Interim Policy Manual here: https://jaspercountysalestaxprogram.com/greenbelt
Questions or completed applications can be sent to Amanda Williams at acwilliams@jaspercountysc.gov.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Jasper County opens first grant application cycle for $94 million Greenbelt Fund
