Officials with MidAmerican Energy today (Thursday) announced they are distributing a total of $239,000 in grants to 97 cities and community organizations in Iowa, in support of the utilities’ “Trees Please! Program. The funds are distributed each year to promote energy efficiency and environmental beautification, through the planting of trees.

Each of the 97 communities has been awarded at least $1,000. Among them is: Avoca; Bedford; Carson; Defiance; Earlham; Glenwood; Hancock; Kimballton; Red Oak and Shelby. The City of Council Bluffs received a $20,000 grant from the “Trees Please!” program.

The grants are based entirely on the individual merits of the project, benefit to the community, and the ability to obtain matching funds. Each of the 97 communities were notified in December, 2011, that they would be receiving a grant, and the checks are in the process of being delivered.