Illinois § 5

§ 5.

Application for assistance; forestry plan. (a) Applicants may submit an Urban/Community Forestry Proposal for assistance under the provisions of this Act. (b) Requests for grant assistance shall include, but not be limited to, those activities that will implement a portion of the applicant's forestry program or forestry management plan or will lead to the development of a forestry management plan for the unit of local government. (c) Multiple applicants may apply jointly for assistance under this Act. (d) The Department shall evaluate the application and notify the applicant of the qualification or non-qualification of the application. The evaluation shall consider, among other factors, the effect of the proposal on each of the following: (1) The facilitation of improvements to the quality of the environment in forests and green space areas within the applicant's jurisdiction through the improved management and preservation of the urban/community forest resources for the common good, health, welfare, and safety of the citizens of this State. (2) The creation of employment opportunities in tree maintenance and related urban/community forestry activities. (3) Maximizing the potential of tree and vegetative cover in reducing energy consumption. (4) The establishment and commitment to the management and improvement of the forest resources of the community. (5) An increased public awareness. (6) Increased participation of local citizenry and volunteers. (Source: P.A. 89-172, eff. 1-1-96.) (Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-421) Sec. 5. Application for assistance; forestry plan. (a) Applicants may submit an Urban and Community Forestry Proposal for assistance under the provisions of this Act. (b) Requests for grant assistance shall include, but shall not be limited to, those activities that will implement or enhance: (1) current Illinois Forest Action Plan objectives; (2) local forestry program management objectives as determined by an urban and community forestry management plan; (3) tree canopy capacity in underserved and disadvantaged areas of communities or counties; or (4) urban and community forest canopy in Illinois communities and counties. (c) Multiple applicants may apply jointly for assistance under this Act, but payments shall be paid only in the manner prescribed by the Department in the grant award. (d) The Department shall evaluate the application and notify the applicant of the qualification or non-qualification of the application. The evaluation shall consider, among other factors, the effect of the proposal on the following: (1) The facilitation of improvements to the quality of the environment in Illinois forests, urban areas, and green space areas within the applicant's jurisdiction through the improved management and preservation of the urban and community forest resources for the common good, health, welfare, and safety of the citizens of this State. (2) The creation of employment opportunities in tree care, tree preservation, and related urban and community forestry activities. (3) The improvement of human health, environmental access, and tree cover to reduce urban heat island effects and energy consumption. (4) The establishment and commitment to the management and improvement of the forest resources of the community. (5) An increased public awareness. (6) Increased participation of local citizenry and volunteers. (7) Increased assistance to underserved or disadvantaged Illinois communities or counties. (Source: P.A. 104-421, eff. 1-1-26.)