(MSC News)--Three area communities, and one local school, are chosen to share a portion of the more than $513,000 designated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for environmentally focused solid waste grants.

According to a press release issued by the KDHE, the Green Schools grants and the Waste Tire grants are awarded to municipalities and school districts across the state as part of the KDHE's waste reduction initiatives.

More than $396,000 is awarded for 2017 waste tire recycling grants, with the City of Highland named among the recipients. $1,726 will be used for the purchase of two picnic tables and six park benches for Minier City Park.

The City of Mayetta is awarded $1,451 which will be used to purchase an ADA compliant picnic table and seven park benches, for Mayetta City Park.

The City of Marysville earns three grants, with $4,141 designated for the purchase of loose fill rubber mulch for the playground at Dargatz Park. $1,169 will be used for similar usage at City Park, while $5,102 will be used to purchase the fill rubber mulch for playground at Lion's Park.

A Marysville school is also named as the recipient of a Green School grant, with USD 364 earning $18,856 in grant funds for the purchase of loose fill rubber mulch for the Marysville Elementary School playground.

A total of 31 Kansas schools are sharing in the more than $117,000 earmarked to fund projects for the 2017-2018 school year.