On November 30, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a $2,366,000 grant that will be used by the City of Chester, Delaware County, for a green infrastructure project to help fix flooding problems caused by stormwater overflows.

“Urban stormwater is a significant source of water pollution and can be a serious public health concern,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “This funding will support the City of Chester’s efforts to reduce stormwater overflows by using green infrastructure upgrades that will help protect public health and the environment.”

Stormwater improvements in the City of Chester also support efforts to restore the Delaware River Estuary, which is the ultimate recipient of urban water runoff from Chester.

The funding comes from EPA’s Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants (OSG) program and will be awarded to the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, which will provide a sub-award to the City of Chester.

Chester will use funds to address excessive runoff and flooding in the city’s Veteran's Park area due to an outdated stormwater system that lacks sufficient pipes, inlets, and outfalls.

The project, located in a community with historic environmental justice concerns, will consist of approximately 1,600 feet of pipe, 325 inlets, four manholes, roadway restoration, 1,600 square feet of porous panels, inlet inserts, and filters.

It also includes establishing a regional stormwater control basin with a drainage area of 196 acres and a storage volume of 14 acre-feet.

Overall, EPA will be awarding more than $67 million in OSG grants. For more information, visit EPA’s OSG Program webpage.

Related Articles This Week:

-- EPA Awards PA $240.4 Million In Bipartisan Infrastructure Funding For Water Infrastructure That Prioritizes Underserved Communities  [PaEN]

-- USDA Awards 16 PA Projects Rural Energy For America Grants, 6 Community Facilities Disaster Grants  [PaEN]

-- NRCS-PA Accepting Applications From Farm, Forest Landowners Along Kittatinny Ridge To Permanently Preserve Sensitive Lands  [PaEN]

-- NRCS-PA Now Accepting Applications For $300,000 For Funding Forest Easements In 12 PA Counties  [PaEN]

-- NFWF Accepting Applications For Five Star & Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program Thru Jan. 25  [PaEN]

-- Inquirer - Frank Kummer: William Penn Foundation Provides $1.65 Million To Create New Delaware River Climate Corps To Train Workers For Conservation, Green Careers

[Posted: November 29, 2021]

12/6/2021