Three community programs will benefit from nearly $800,000 as part of the landfill lease agreement approved by the Arlington City Council this month.

Republic Waste Services of Texas Limited will formally present three checks during a ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday, March 18 in the courtyard in front of City Hall at 101 W. Abram St. In the event of inclement weather, the check presentation ceremony will be moved to the Council Chamber.

On February 22, the Arlington City Council awarded a contract to lease the City of Arlington Landfill to Republic Waste Services of Texas. Operating locally as Duncan Disposal, the company has been Arlington’s garbage collection contractor for the past 50 years. Mayor Robert Cluck said the company has been a model corporate citizen.

"Their excellent record of service and customer satisfaction gives me confidence that they will enter this new area of partnership with great success," the mayor said.

According to Interim Deputy City Manager Trey Yelverton, as part of the lease agreement, Republic pledged a monetary commitment to several community programs. City officials and representatives from the benefiting nonprofit organizations will attend the 11 a.m. check presentation ceremony.

The Arlington Parks and Recreation Department will receive $400,000 for the Community Environmental Education Center in River Legacy Park; the Neighborhood Services Department/Animal Services will receive $140,000 towards the PAWS 2005 campaign for the construction of a new Animal Services Center; and the chiefs of the Police and Fire Departments will accept a $260,000 donation towards the development of Hero’s Park, which will recognize the service of Arlington Police and Fire Department personnel.