NATCHEZ — The City of Natchez has received a $25,000 grant from the State of Mississippi to help clean up illegal dumpsites.

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has awarded Natchez a solid waste assistance grant to clean illegal trash piles and support the city’s solid waste management program.

The grant money could also be used to hire a solid waste enforcement officer or to create public education programs to inform the public of the correct way to dispose of trash.

Natchez Community Development Director James Johnston said the city has had problems with trash being thrown in the bottom of ravines, where removing it requires specific, expensive equipment.

“This problem is no different for other county and municipal governments,” Johnston said. “Unfortunately, illegal dumping occurs statewide.”

The dumpsites are usually discovered and reported by residents, Natchez Public Works Supervisor Justin Dollar, or code enforcement personnel.

“The awarding of these funds is extremely helpful to the city because we do not have the heavy equipment necessary to clean (some sites),” Johnston said.

The city will contract with a local firm to clean up several illegal dumpsites that have already been identified. Johnston said the city has already obtained competitive bids for the service.

The City of Natchez has been awarded the grant for at least three consecutive years.