Kettle Creek

The Department of Environmental Protection this week invited community groups and watershed organizations to apply for the next round of grants under the state’s Growing Greener, flood protection and federal 319 programs.

The deadline to apply is April 13.

The grants can finance projects designed to clean up rivers and streams, address serious environmental problems at abandoned mines and contaminated industrial sites, enhance local recreational needs and improve quality of life for residents of the commonwealth.

“Growing Greener has provided an unprecedented investment in Pennsylvania’s environmental health, and in ensuring our economic competitiveness,” said Secretary McGinty. “With every new project we are bringing together the people and resources to clean up watersheds, provide new recreational opportunities and revitalize communities across the state.”

In the upcoming grant round, DEP will invest in projects that address watershed impairments and protection through stream restoration; nutrient and sediment trading; stormwater management; and abandoned mine drainage projects that address long-term operation and maintenance challenges.

Of special interest are projects for resource recovery and innovative mine drainage treatment, as well as projects that undertake an integrated approach to water resources management at the county or watershed level.

In addition, preference will be given to projects, or several projects, that seek to restore an impaired watershed using a comprehensive approach. Projects that include private and public partnerships, promote the long term coordinated stewardship and restoration of the watershed and educate others regarding their roles in protecting the watershed and water supplies are of particular interest to the department.

Eligible projects also could include improving water quality in watersheds where streams are impaired; integrating stormwater management and flood protection into watershed management; encouraging the beneficial use of abandoned mine pool water; and watershed restoration and conservation strategies and projects that will help meet pollutant total maximum daily loads.

As part of the application process, applicants can also apply for funding through the department’s Flood Protection Grant Program and the Federal Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant Program.

Flood protection grants fund project improvements, non-routine maintenance and specialized equipment in communities that operate and maintain state and federal flood protection projects.

Section 319 grants fund development of watershed implementation plans that address nonpoint source impairments.

For more information on Growing Greener, or to receive an application package, e-mail GrowingGreener@state.pa.us , phone 717-705-5400 or visit DEP’s Growing Greener webpage.

1/26/2007