DEP Announces $1.1 Million In Flood Protection Grants to Communities in 21 Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection this week announced flood protection grants totaling $1.1 million for 28 projects in 21 counties.

 

Flood protection grants are awarded annually to municipalities and counties that sponsor existing flood protection projects. The grants provide up to 65 percent of the costs for project improvements and non-routine maintenance, as well as a maximum of 50 percent of the cost for specialized equipment to maintain these projects in a state of readiness.

 

The maximum dollar value for project improvements and non-routine maintenance grants is $65,000, and the maximum dollar value for specialized equipment grants is $50,000.

 

Local municipal and county sponsors become responsible for the long-term operation and routine maintenance of flood protection projects once construction of a federal or state-funded project is completed.

 

Grants are awarded based upon anticipated benefits to the project, such as extending the infrastructure's life, improving function, or improving emergency response.

 

Pennsylvania has one of the most extensive flood protection programs in the nation. Since 1946, the commonwealth has constructed more than 200 flood protection projects throughout the state at a cost of more than $800 million when translated into today's dollars.

 

A list of grants awarded is available online.

 

For more information, visit the DEP Flood Protection webpage.