What

As part of its Trash-Free River Initiative, UGRA is inviting individuals, groups and entities to sponsor trash clean-up at a Kerr County crossing (bridge or low water crossing).

Sponsorship will cover one-half of the costs of removing trash from the crossing on a schedule specifically tailored to the specific site.

The annual cost of sponsorship ranges from $200 to $600, depending on location and condition. Sponsorship years commence 31 March.

UGRA will match sponsorship contributions, up to five sites.

All public crossings in the County are eligible for sponsorship.

Sponsors will be publicly recognized by UGRA on its website and in other manners over the course of the year.

The following are among the many sites eligible for sponsorship:

Crossing Name	Crossing Description	Sponsorship Cost
Old Hwy 39 Bridge	Johnson Creek	$300.00
Kelley Creek Rd.	Waltonia Crossing	$300.00
Wagon Wheel	N. Fork, 7^th Crossing Upstream	$300.00
Ingram Dam		$600.00
Goat Creek & I-10		$400.00
Deitert Creek & Hwy 27		$300.00
Turtle Creek by Firehouse	Upper Turtle Creek	$250.00

If you are interested in participating in UGRA’s Trash-Free River Initiative by sponsoring the clean-up of a site, please contact Scott Loveland at 896-5445.

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The Daily Times
http://dailytimes.com/

Sponsoring river clean-up good for community

Times Editorial Board
The Daily Times

Published March 27, 2004

At first glance, some would question the Upper Guadalupe River Authority’s request for private funds to aid it in a new Trash-Free River Initiative.

The UGRA currently conducts river clean-up programs at four sites in Kerr County . The new initiative would add five more sites to the program. UGRA directors approved a budget of $10,400 to fund the program and directed staff to seek additional funds from other sources. The UGRA is seeking sponsors to pay from $200 to $600 to support clean-up efforts.

The UGRA is a taxing entity that is charged with maintaining the water quantity and quality of the Guadalupe River as it flows through Kerr County . While not exactly in its realm of responsibility, the UGRA recently added clean-up efforts to its duties. Based on the success of those efforts, the UGRA is ready to expand the program.

The question is should an entity that collects tax revenue call upon the community for additional funding sources to support this program?

The answer is yes. The appearance of the river is an intangible that provides tangible benefits to everyone in Kerr County . A visibly clean river is important to everyone. Plastic bags, cans, bottles and Styrofoam cups probably do not materially affect water quality, but a trashy river is associated with poor water quality.

Many local taxing entities currently rely on additional community support. Most local school districts have many organizations that solicit funds for program enhancement.

That is exactly how we view this new initiative by the UGRA. It is a program that can be enhanced with local support. It is a program that is important to Kerr County . It is a program we will support. We hope others feel the same.