HARRISBURG, PA — A $67,000 grant has been awarded to the Chester County Conservation District as part of a larger state and federal initiative to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The funding, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), supports the ongoing efforts aimed at improving water quality and preventing pollution in local waterways.
This investment is part of the 2025 Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Grants, which draw from a combination of state Environmental Stewardship Funds and federal resources, including Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocations. The funds will advance projects targeting stormwater and agricultural runoff, two primary contributors to water quality issues in Chester County.
State legislators emphasized the ecological and economic significance of safeguarding the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. “This funding is not just an environmental effort but a commitment to preserving a critical ecosystem and its legacy for future generations,” stated Representative Danielle Friel Otten (D-Chester).
Senator Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, noted the broader implications of the grant, pointing out its contributions to public health and overall quality of life. “These investments will help prevent pollution and protect local watersheds essential to our communities,” she said.
Pennsylvania has demonstrated measurable progress in its conservation efforts. Earlier this year, the Chesapeake Bay earned its highest score to date on the University of Maryland’s health report card. The DEP’s ongoing initiatives, bolstered by grants like this one, have been pivotal in achieving such milestones.
State Representative Christina Sappey (D-Chester) commended the Chester County Conservation District for its leadership in environmental stewardship, highlighting its role in improving the quality of streams and tributaries that feed into the Bay. Representative Dan Williams (D-Chester) reinforced the moral obligation of local communities to do their part, recognizing the Chesapeake Bay as a vital regional and national asset.
“This type of dedicated investment is essential to reversing decades of environmental harm,” added Representative Chris Pielli (D-Chester), reflecting the collective commitment of local officials to restoring and maintaining clean waterways.
By addressing sources of water pollution and promoting ecological resilience, this grant emphasizes the vital connection between environmental conservation and the well-being of local economies and communities.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.