POTTSVILLE – Local officials announced five state grants today that will fund watershed improvement projects in Schuylkill County.
According to members of Schuylkill County’s delegation to the General Assembly, grants totaling nearly $1.2 million will allow the Schuylkill Conservation District to complete several projects including: the Oneida #3 Acid Mine Drainage Treatment System Optimization in North Union Township, Dandelion Farm Best Management Practices installation in South Manheim Township, Swatara Creek Floodplain Restoration Phase #1 along the Swatara Creek, West Creek flow loss assessment and remediation plan in Cass Township, and Mine Pool Treatment System Expansion in Frailey Township.
“These grant awards are a direct result of the cooperation and hard work of the Schuylkill Conservation District, local residents and state and local elected officials,” Senator David G. Argall (R-29) said. “These funds will go a long way to protect our county’s natural resources for future generations.”
“I’m pleased that the Growing Greener program is aiding these five worthwhile projects in Schuylkill County,” Representative Neal Goodman (D-123) said. “Of particular concern to me is the West Creek project in Cass Township. The creek is underlain by abandoned mines, and the grant will help determine how to keep stream water from seeping into those mines.”
“It is important that funding like this is available for projects in our area,” said Representative Jerry Knowles (R-124). “These local projects will provide benefits now, and for our future generations.”
“I am happy with the environmental improvements that we have seen happen over the years in both Schuylkill and Berks County waterways,” said Representative Mike Tobash (R-125). “The funds allocated to this program are important to ensure that we continue down the path of improvement.”
The grants were awarded as part of the Growing Greener program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The program was created in 1999 to preserve the state’s farmland and open space, eliminate the maintenance backlog in state parks, clean up abandoned mines and restore watersheds, and provide new and upgraded water and sewer systems.