In response to citizen concerns about kudzu in the county, the Polk County Board of Commissioners approved at their Sept. 21 meeting the allocation of $8,500 to the Polk County Appearance Commission for grants to help eradicate kudzu in public areas.

The Appearance Commission will administer these grants using the same methodology as it does with its beautification awards with the exception being that these funds are exclusively for kudzu eradication.

The Appearance Commission serves under the authority of the Polk County Board of Commissioners and is an all-volunteer body serving in an advisory role, providing guidance and leadership in matters of community design and appearance. Members study the visual needs of Polk County, promote a public understanding of appearance issues and implement programs to enhance the visual quality of the Polk County area.

The Town of Tryon and Harmon Field will receive the first grant to remove kudzu along the banks of the Pacolet River.

Organizations are encouraged to submit their kudzu eradication projects to the Appearance Commission expeditiously as a 50/50 funding match is required. For more information, contact the Appearance Commission through their contact form at BeautifulFoothills.org.

Polk County also is working on eradicating kudzu on County-owned property. Efforts already are underway at the landfill and the Polk County Recreation Complex in Mill Spring.