MARTHA’S VINEYARD – The letters “M V” may soon be seen on license plates for Massachusetts drivers.
New state laws allow nonprofits like Martha’s Vineyard Community Services more time to register enough applicants for proposed plates.
Communications Manager for Community Services Mary Korba said the nonprofit was looking for a new stream of revenue, when the idea for a plate came up.
She said a design contest spurred great feedback, and within the first month after a design was chosen about 500 people applied for the plate.
“It’s an iconic image, you can’t get to the island without getting on a ferry for the most part, so people identify a steamship with the island,” Korba said.
It’s been about 5 months since applications opened statewide, and now Korba said Community Services has received over 700.
A plate fee of $40 every two years will initially be split, with the first year, $28 going to the nonprofit and $12 going to the DMV for production costs. Each year thereafter, all of the cost will benefit Community Services.
Korba said the plan is to incorporate a philanthropic element as well. About 20% of the annual proceeds will go to a local organization based on need, benefitting either children or elders.
Production could start as early as January 1st, 2016 and, Korba said, if that goes as planned, the plates could be ready by July.
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