Rep. Sturla

Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) is inviting community volunteers to help him and local organizations clean up the Conestoga River from 8:30 a.m. to noon June 14.

Volunteers will meet at the bridge to the Barnes Hall Detention Center off of South Broad Street in Lancaster city, and should wear long pants and bring their own work gloves.

“We urge people of all ages to volunteer whatever time they can to help keep the Conestoga River beautiful and healthy,” Rep. Sturla said. “With everyone’s help, we can have another successful cleanup.”

Rep. Sturla is co-sponsoring his annual cleanup with the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, the city of Lancaster, Franklin and Marshall College, and Lancaster Laboratory.

Rep. Sturla introduced House Bill 328 that would establish a state Adopt-A-River program to help restore Pennsylvania’s rivers, spark interest in volunteerism and conserve natural resources. The Department of Environmental Protection would administer the program and provide trash bags, safety information and assistance to volunteer groups.

The bill was approved by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week.

“I thank the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee for approving my bill, and I hope the House can quickly act on it to help Pennsylvania’s rivers remain healthy,” Rep. Sturla said.

To sign up, contact Pat Coller in Sturla’s district office at 717-295-3157 or send email to: pcoller@pahouse.net .

6/6/2008