MARQUETTE — Four Upper Peninsula counties, plus an environmental organization, have been awarded new state money to assist in funding community scrap tire drop-off events.

While most people realize that scrap tires are bad for the environment, few have any idea how many tires are at issue or where they are located, said Jeff Johnston, public information officer for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

“We wish we knew about where all of these tires are,” Johnston said. “These tires are often just dumped — often in places we haven’t even identified. Out of sight, out of mind. All of us have an interest in dealing with this problem.”

The U.P. county list, the receiving agency and the amount awarded by EGLE:

— Alger County: Alger Conservation District, $12,000.

— Baraga County: Covington Township, $6,000.

— Delta County: Delta Solid Waste Management Authority, $15,000.

— Dickinson County: Breitung Charter Township, $24,000.

— Upper Peninsula: Superior Watershed Partnership as the fiduciary for all U.P. counties, $78,000. (Receiving agency)

Statewide, EGLE awarded $1,105,000 in grants to fund 55 community events, EGLE reported. Community events provide affordable, convenient tire recycling opportunities to residents, including the creation of year-round collections sites and roadside pickups.

Additionally, nine new grant projects and one grant amendment will fund the removal of old scrap tire piles at private properties, EGLE said. Michigan’s Scrap Tire Program webpage can be found at Mi.gov/ScrapTires.