INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Some Indiana cities and towns hit by emerald ash borer infestations can apply for a share of a federal grant earmarked for tree-planting projects.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says the $100,000 grant from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative will go to communities in the Great Lakes watershed hat have lost ash trees to ash borer infestations. 

That money will pay for tree-plantings intended to reduce flooding and storm water overflows that cause raw sewage to enter rivers and streams. 

Carrie Tauscher of the DNR says a single young tree can intercept around 400 gallons of storm water in its first year after planting. She hopes to begin accepting applications for grant money from eligible communities in late winter or spring.