In the little more than a year since it came into existence, Ironton in Bloom has gotten a national award, kudos from community leaders and now, money to keep a good thing going.

The city improvement organization has gotten a $2,500 litter cleanup grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and a $1,500 grant from Marathon Ashland Petroleum (MAP).

This the second grant received locally from the ODNR for litter cleanup. The city of Ironton has gotten one as well.

Carol Allen, president of Ironton In Bloom, said the litter cleanup grant will be used to promote a cleaner downtown and to enlist businesses downtown to get involved. Some money may be used to purchase litter grabbers, litter bags for cars and perhaps cigarette disposals. She said members hope to purchase signs exhorting people to take pride in a clean city and posting the penalties for littering.

“If we keep our town clean and sparkling and if everyone becomes responsible, it creates pride,” Allen said. “That’s what we want for Ironton In Bloom.”

The grant from MAP was announced Monday and organization members have not discussed how it will be used.

“I appreciate the overall support in the community,” IIB member Randy Lilly said. “And the state grant shows that even they think we’re headed in the right direction.”