The PECO Green Region Program recently awarded grants to 20 local municipalities and nonprofits totaling $150,000 to support municipal open space and recreation projects.

From transforming a vacant lot into a community green space to building community gardens and installing new lights for a walking path, this year’s grants will be used to begin projects that will help improve sustainability across the Greater Philadelphia region.

“The municipalities and nonprofits receiving grants are putting their energy into the environment, and we’re proud to support these initiatives as PECO remains committed to increasing the environmental sustainability in the communities we serve across southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Craig Adams, PECO president and CEO. “Each of these projects will positively impact the region as they create new green spaces, revitalize vacant lots, beautify trails, and much more.”

In partnership with Natural Lands, 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: Borough of Doylestown ($10,000), Chalfont Borough ($10,000) and New Britain Township ($10,000)

-- Chester County: Borough of West Chester ($10,000), Pennsbury Township ($10,000) and Willistown Township ($10,000)

-- Delaware County: Borough of East Lansdowne ($10,000), Eddystone Borough ($5,000), Lower Chichester Township ($10,000) and Ridley Township ($5,000)

-- Montgomery County: Borough of Pottstown ($10,000), Cheltenham Township ($10,000) and Plymouth Township ($10,000)

-- Philadelphia: Frankford Community Development Corporation ($10,000), Neighborhood Gardens Trust ($10,000) and Schuylkill River Development Corporation ($10,000)

“Research has proven time and again that green amenities like parks, natural areas, and trails are essential ingredients for healthy, prosperous communities,” noted Molly Morrison, President of Natural Lands. “As always, I am impressed by the quality and creativity of the projects that were proposed and inspired by PECO’s steadfast commitment to greening our region.”

Municipalities and Philadelphia nonprofits can apply for a PECO 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 that receive funding.

Through PECO Green Region, PECO has awarded more than $1.8 million to 250 projects since the program’s inception in 2004. The program is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to support environmental initiatives across southeastern Pennsylvania, including open space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources, and environmental conservation.

For more information, visit the Natural Lands’ PECO Green Region Program webpage.

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[Posted: August 10, 2017]

8/14/2017