Concordia Parish Library has grant funds to spruce up its front entrance.

The library has been awarded one of 33 Beautification Grants awarded by Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) to organizations in 21 parishes, totaling $181,831.

Made possible by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the grant program funds planting projects and welcome signs on public property in highly visible areas such as community entry points, highway corridors and medians, and major roadways and intersections. Grantees are reimbursed up to $8,000 for their beautification projects.

Concordia Parish was awarded a grant that will help them plant shrubs and plants native to Louisiana to enhance their new library entrance.

“I’m pleased to support this KLB grant program as community beautification is a demonstration of pride in place,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “When we take the time to enhance the appearance of our communities, we convey our love for Louisiana.”

“Trees and plants are good for the environment and contribute to an improved quality of life for all who call Louisiana home,” said KLB Executive Director Susan Russell. “Not only do beautification projects improve community appearance, but it’s also proven people are less likely to litter in well-maintained areas.”

This grant requires plants and trees to be at least 25% native to Louisiana.

In addition to beautifying public spaces, projects are required to exhibit diverse community support, and collaboration between organizations, with matching contributions and benefits to community residents.

Louisiana parishes, municipalities, state agencies, governmental entities, political subdivisions, universities and colleges and non-profit organizations were eligible to apply for the grant funding.