Twenty-one local municipalities and nonprofits are seeing green thanks to $160,000 in grant funding from PECO Green Region, the company’s municipal open space and environmental grant program.
            Part of PECO’s ongoing efforts to support environmental initiatives across southeastern Pennsylvania, PECO Green Region provides grants to projects focusing on open space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources, and environmental conservation.

Through PECO Green Region, PECO has awarded nearly $1.6 million to 210 projects since the program’s inception in 2004. This year’s projects include the development of walking trails, building a rain garden and outdoor classroom, and the purchase of open land.

“As the region’s leading energy provider, we are proud to support these environmental projects and initiatives as part of our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve,” said Craig Adams, PECO president and CEO. “I commend our local municipalities and nonprofits for developing projects that are both innovative and will have a positive impact on our landscape.”

In partnership with Natural Lands Trust, the region’s leading land conservation organization and facilitator of PECO Green Region, PECO will provide grants to the following municipalities and nonprofit organizations:

— Bucks County: Doylestown Township ($10,000), Tullytown Borough ($10,000) and Warrington Township ($10,000)

— Chester County: Caln Township ($8,750), East Goshen Township ($3,000), East Fallowfield Township ($8,500) and Wallace Township ($10,000)

— Delaware County: Marcus Hook Borough ($10,000), Middletown Township ($5,000), Prospect Park Borough ($5,000) and Upper Darby Township ($10,000)

— Montgomery County: Perkiomen Township ($2,500), Plymouth Township ($10,000), Trappe Borough ($7,500), West Pottsgrove Township ($7,500) and Whitemarsh Township ($2,500)

— Philadelphia: Delaware River City Corp. ($5,000), Pennsylvania Horticultural Society ($7,500), Schuylkill River Development Corp. ($7,500) and West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools ($10,000)

— York County: Peach Bottom Township ($10,000)

“The variety and creativity of local initiatives funded through this year’s PECO Green Region grant program are powerful demonstrations that our region’s communities remain deeply committed to providing their residents with the natural and recreational resources that are essential to their quality of life,” said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust. “For more than 10 years, PECO has been a steadfast partner in helping these communities act on that commitment, and our region is healthier and more prosperous as a result.”

Municipalities can apply for a Green Region grant of up to $10,000 per project each year. A committee comprised of representatives from PECO, county agencies and conservation organizations reviews each application and selects the projects to receive funding.

From PECO Green Region and operating an environmentally-friendly fleet, to launching PECO Smart Ideas to help our customers save energy and money, all of PECO’s environmental efforts contribute to and support the long-term sustainability efforts of our parent company, Exelon Corporation, for the benefit of our customers and communities.

For more information, visit PECO’s Green Region webpage.

NewsClips:

Open Space In Chester County-Part 1

Open Space In Chester County-Part 2

Open Space In Chester County-Part 3

Lancaster Farmland Trust Unprecedented Opportunity

Op-Ed: Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund Makes Big Difference

9/14/2015