On October 26, Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin recognized municipalities and local government officials for their dedication and commitment to strengthen their communities and better serve their residents.

“At DCED, we often say that Pennsylvania is the best place in the world to live, work, and play—and that’s because of our local communities,” said Sec. Davin. “These projects represent what is best about Pennsylvania—our resilience, creativity, and strength. From combatting blight to promoting healthy lifestyles and helping those at risk for hunger, to using technology to improve government services,  to fighting the opioid epidemic—these are just some of the ways our community leaders are giving back, and we are proud to commend all them for those efforts.”

Ten communities and eight individuals from across the Commonwealth were recognized for excellent service as part of the 24th Annual Governor's Awards for Local Government Excellence.

Those communities recognized for environment and energy-related initiatives are--

-- Pike County Commissioners: The Pike County Commissioners collaborated with public and private entities to create innovative solutions to three challenging issues facing their community – establishing an Opioid Task Force, the creation of a Tick-Borne Diseases Task Force, and the formation of a Reentry Coalition.

-- Food Waste to Energy Program – Hermitage Municipal Authority – Mercer County:  The City of Hermitage and the Hermitage Municipal Authority created the Food Waste to Energy Program at the city's wastewater treatment plant.

Through both bodies' efforts, they implemented an innovative, high technology process to convert food waste to energy as a compliment to the traditional wastewater treatment system.

The result has been cost savings to the city, a reduction in landfills, and an economic benefit to the regional food industry.  This ground-breaking program has garnered national recognition and attracted interest from government officials from across the country.

Click Here for the complete announcement.

Related Articles - Recognition:

-- DEP Posts Accomplishments By Winners Of 2020 Governor's Award For Environmental Excellence

-- Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership, PA Forestry Assn. Recognize 3 Women With Mira Lloyd Dock Awards

-- Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership Announces Watershed Milestones Award Winners

-- DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: David Wise, Stroud Water Research Center

-- DCNR Now Accepting Nominations For 2021 PA Trail Of The Year

-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Accepting Nominations For COVID-19 Outdoor Recreation Champions

[Posted: October 26, 2020]

11/2/2020