Governor Tom Wolf announced that 106 projects to clean up local waters statewide, benefiting hundreds of communities, have been selected to receive funding through the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Growing Greener program.
“These grant projects represent important opportunities for citizen and community engagement in local water cleanup around the commonwealth. The vitally important roster of local governments and nonprofit organizations who willingly tackle them is a great representation of our spirit of partnership,” said Governor Wolf. “Their efforts are invaluable investments in our public health, the vitality of our communities, and the quality of our environment in Pennsylvania.”
Growing Greener grants will go to 106 projects. Fifty-one are in Pennsylvania’s part (43 counties) of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, reflecting part of the ramped-up state and federal funding commitment to Pennsylvania’s federal mandate to reduce nitrogen, phosphorous, and sediment pollution in the watershed.
Fifty-five Growing Greener projects are in the 24 counties beyond the watershed. Together, all projects will receive just over $20.7 million.
“There’s no magic wand to wave to clean up all of Pennsylvania’s streams and rivers at once. Reducing acid mine drainage, nutrients, sediment, and other pollutants requires countless strategic, collaborative community efforts at the creek, river, lake, and watershed levels. Achieving a collective impact is the essential role Growing Greener projects play,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
The Growing Greener grant program–the largest single investment of state funds to address Pennsylvania’s environmental challenges–is supported by the Environmental Stewardship Fund, which receives its funding from landfill tipping fees. Since it was launched in 1999, the Growing Greener program has provided more than $296 million to environmental projects statewide.
The following grants were awarded locally:
- Borough of Ambler, Growing Ambler Greener 2017-2020, $206,100
- Upper Dublin Township, Rose Valley Creek Willowmere Study, $18,991
- Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association, Thompson Dam alternatives analysis, $44,000