HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently allocated over $2 million in Growing Greener Plus grants to support 17 environmental projects across the state’s Southeast Region. This funding, part of the state’s largest-ever financial commitment to addressing critical environmental issues, is aimed at improving water quality, restoring degraded lands, and tackling challenges such as abandoned oil and gas wells.
Acting DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “The Growing Greener Plus grant program empowers communities to pursue environmental progress and innovation. This support fuels vital Pennsylvania initiatives that protect our land and restore local watersheds. As a result, our Commonwealth can look forward to a greener future.”
Administered through the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Growing Greener program seeks to strengthen Pennsylvania’s environmental resilience by awarding grants to municipalities, conservation districts, nonprofits, and other eligible organizations. This year alone, the program has distributed more than $15 million statewide to advance projects that protect and restore the state’s natural ecosystems.
Strategic Focus on Southeast Region
This latest round of grants brings $2,011,412 to various counties in Pennsylvania’s Southeast Region, funding a range of efforts from stormwater management and stream restoration to afforestation and green infrastructure improvements. Notable recipients include:
- Bucks County: Heritage Conservancy received $40,888 to convert a 15-acre agricultural field into a pollinator meadow at Lindsay Farm, while Lower Makefield Township was awarded $174,623 for stormwater basin retrofits at Brentwood Road and Horseshoe Bend.
- Chester County: Multiple projects were funded, such as $260,847 for a stream restoration project along Parrish Trail by the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance, and $218,400 for a Mushroom Farm Resource Conservationist initiative led by the Chester County Conservation District.
- Montgomery County: The Tookany Tacony Frankford Watershed Partnership secured $72,000 to retrofit a parking lot in Pavilion Town Center with water management features. Worcester Township received $85,000 to restore the Zacharias Creek watershed.
- Philadelphia County: Friends of the Wissahickon garnered $112,354 to advance the Andorra Stormwater Project, while the Philadelphia Water Department was allocated $348,592 to implement green stormwater infrastructure at the Loring Cottman site.
Other important projects include the restoration of tidal wetlands at Bartram’s Garden in Philadelphia County, the expansion of rain gardens, and new afforestation efforts in Chester County’s Sadsbury Woods Preserve.
Statewide Impact of Growing Greener Plus
Since its inception, the Growing Greener initiative has empowered communities to mitigate environmental challenges effectively. It enables grantees to utilize funding over a three-year period, providing flexibility and oversight to implement high-impact projects. By distributing resources through established Commonwealth programs, such as those managed by the DEP and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the program ensures comprehensive support throughout Pennsylvania.
Statewide, the grants address a broad spectrum of needs, from waterway restoration and stormwater runoff mitigation to abandoned mine reclamation. These investments play a critical role in protecting public health, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing the quality of life for Pennsylvanians.
Investing in the Future
The Growing Greener Plus program not only addresses Pennsylvania’s current environmental challenges but also lays the groundwork for long-term sustainability. With this year’s statewide grants surpassing $15 million, the program underscores the importance of strategic environmental investment in fostering healthier communities and ecosystems.
Moving forward, continued funding and innovative approaches to conservation will be key to maintaining progress and addressing emerging environmental threats. By prioritizing collaboration and community-driven solutions, Pennsylvania is positioning itself as a leader in environmental stewardship and a model for sustainable growth.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.