PA American Water Tuesday announced the recipients of the company's 2014 Environmental Grant Program awards. A total of 45 projects throughout American Water's service areas in 11 states will be supported by grants totaling more than $185,000.

Established in 2005, American Water's Environmental Grant Program offers funds for innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies in the communities it serves.

In Pennsylvania, grants were awarded to--

-- Abington Area Joint Recreation Board, Lackawanna County will host an "Earth Camp" that focuses on environmental education, art and fitness for school children in grades fifth through seventh. Students will experience environmental studies and learn more about the water issues facing the world today.

-- Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Washington County plans to protect and restore section of Dutch Fork, a tributary of the Buffalo Creek, by stabilizing stream banks, enhancing fish habitat and installing riparian buffer to improve water quality.

-- Brandywine Valley Association, Chester County will use the funding to develop environmental educational programs for students in the Coatesville Area School District. Children will gain a better understanding of the watershed and learn stewardship practices to sustain the quality of the community's water resources.

-- Londonderry Township, Dauphin County's grant will support restoration of the riparian buffer along sections of the Swatara Creek, with local volunteers planting native trees and shrubs to vegetate the restored floodplain.

-- Pennsylvania Resources Council, Allegheny County will implement a series of household chemical collection events in western Pennsylvania, as well as educate residents about minimizing the amount of waste generated and the health effects of using toxic materials.

-- Plains Township, Luzerne County will use the grant to construct a rain garden and nature habitat in its municipal park. The project will provide an educational and educational experience for all ages to learn about sustainability, watershed protection, stormwater management and pollution control.

"Each one of these organizations is making a difference in one of American Water's communities, and we are very proud to partner with them to turn their plans into a reality," said Debra Vernon, Manager of Corporate Responsibility. "Now in its ninth year, our state environmental grant program has provided needed support for communities to help improve, restore and protect our valuable natural resources through partnerships. We are proud of the opportunity to support such worthy projects that positively impact the environment and our water sources."

For more information, visit the PA American Water Environmental Grant Program webpage.

7/14/2014