Gov. Rendell this week released a series of reports detailing investments made during the third year of the Growing Greene II Program whichcommitted $142 million to 397 projects that will preserve farmland, reclaim abandoned mines, protect watersheds, and revitalize communities, among other projects throughout the state.

Here are links to the individual agency reports:

>>Department of Agriculture- $27.4 million for agricultural land preservation;

>>Dept. of Community & Economic Development- $10.1 million for community facility projects;

>>Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources- $43 million recreation, State Park projects;

>>Dept. of Environmental Protection- $28.1 million abandoned mine, watershed, well plugging projects;

>>Fish & Boat Commission- Listing of projects during first three years; and

>>Game Commission- Listing of projects during first three years.

During its first three years, the Department of Environmental Protection's original Growing Greener Program funded 1,100 watershed restoration projects totaling over $333 million ($127 million in public funds, plus $206 million in matching funds). More than 4,659 acres of abandoned mines will be reclaimed, 5,071 acres of wetlands restored, 487 miles of streamside buffers planted and 1,336 oil and gas wells plugged.(See original Growing Greener accomplishments.)

Since Gov. Rendell signed Growing Greener II into law in 2005, the state has invested $325 million for 851 projects statewide.

“Working with the General Assembly and with the overwhelming support of voters, we enacted a $625 million initiative in 2005 that is still working to clean up our environment, preserve open spaces, and revive communities,” said Gov. Rendell. “These projects are eliminating public health threats, spurring economic growth, and contributing to a better quality of life for countless Pennsylvanians.”

Nearly 500 acres of abandoned mines were reclaimed, while more than 11,000 acres of farmland and nearly 17,500 acres of parks and forestry were preserved. In addition, nearly 60 oil wells were plugged during the third year of the initiative.

Among the many park and forest improvement projects funded this year are major upgrades to Chapman, Pine Grove Furnace, Hickory Run, Ricketts Glenn, and Tobyhanna state parks, including new comfort stations; campground wash, beach, and shower houses; and food concessions.

DCNR has also put Growing Greener II dollars to work to make the PA Wilds area a more inviting destination by constructing new park shower and comfort facilities, repairing the Sinnemahoning Dam spillway, and constructing a new bridge over the Lyman Run Dam spillway.

The Governor said Pennsylvania also targeted its resources to projects that reduced energy costs and encouraged energy conservation through Growing Greener II.

“With energy prices climbing and our dependence on foreign oil increasing—putting America’s economy and national security at risk—it’s more important than ever that we support projects that conserve energy and promote the development of homegrown fuel sources,” said Gov. Rendell. “We helped Ellwood City Borough in Beaver and Lawrence counties last year to replace 135 traffic lights with energy-efficient LED lights that will save the municipality and taxpayers more than $14,000 a year.

“Additionally, companies and farms in Adams and Schuylkill counties will be able to turn soybeans into 3 million gallons of biodiesel per year and produce 3,500 megawatt hours of electricity from poultry litter, respectively. That’s enough electricity to power 1,050 homes.”

Under Growing Greener II, Pennsylvania is investing $625 million over six years to clean up rivers and streams; protect natural areas, open spaces, and working farms; and fund projects that revitalize communities. More than 60 percent of voters approved of the initiative.

10/3/2008