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In this Update:
Growing Greener Prevents Flooding
In recognition of Earth Day, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Rep. JoAnne Stehr, and local leaders gathered at the restored Swatara Creek near Pine Grove and Tremont to celebrate the impact of the Growing Greener program. This program, the largest investment in conservation in Pennsylvania’s history, has provided more than $420 million to more than 2,800 environmental projects across the state according to Acting DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. Residents and employers in Pine Grove will never forget the flooding that came after Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. This storm led to flood impacts to 90% of Pine Grove businesses, 250 jobs lost to permanent businesses closures, $40 million in total damages and substantial water pollution impacts related to flooded homes and businesses. After this crisis, a team of municipal officials, local employers, and state legislators and agencies created a plan to reduce flooding. A grant from the Growing Greener program partially funded the work. The results have been clear: much less flooding and residents like Pine Grove Borough Council Vice President Elaine Holley can “sleep a lot better at night.”
As a sponsor of the original Growing Greener legislation, I joined Governor Tom Ridge in signing this bill into law. This is exactly the sort of project we envisioned when working to create this program. The next round of Growing Greener grants will be available until June 20. Learn more here. Brush Fire Near Jim Thorpe Contained: Thank You First Responders!
Thank you to all our local first responders put their safety on the line to fight the Packerton wildfire south of Jim Thorpe. Since this situation first began, more than 150 local volunteer firefighters and other emergency response professionals jumped into action to contain the blaze and protect lives and property. The Carbon County Emergency Management Agency, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Bureau of Forestry, the Carbon County Commissioners, and many more local organizations deserve our thanks for their tireless response. Rep. Doyle Heffley and I stand ready to assist in any way we can. The Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation created a page with links to all of Carbon County’s volunteer fire departments. Many are accepting items like Gatorade, water, snacks, and more. Please consider showing your support. April 26 is Celebrate Trails Day
Including trails in state parks, trails in state forests and rail trails – former railway lines that were converted to paths for foot and bicycle traffic – Pennsylvania has thousands of miles of trails to enjoy. Locally, we have many excellent trails available to enjoy the beauty of northeast Pennsylvania – the Schuylkill River Trail, the Delaware and Lehigh Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and so many more. Now, we’re creating a brand-new trail connecting Weatherly to the D+L Trail. I’m also working with the 911 Memorial Trail team to further expand this memorial to all who lost their lives by creating a trail from Pottsville to Tamaqua to Jim Thorpe, connecting the D+L Trail to the Schuylkill Valley Heritage Trail and beyond. No matter the trail you choose, enjoy it safely by planning the route for your trip as cell phones and GPS units may not work in some areas. Bring a friend, monitor the weather and stay on the trail. It’s also important to share your route and the time you expect to return with someone who will not be on the trail with you. Improving Water Service in White Haven and Minersville
Rep. Tim Twardzik, Rep. Jamie Walsh, and I announced this week that projects to improve water services in White Haven and Minersville were awarded highly competitive state funding. $4.3 million was awarded to replace the well pump and install a new water treatment system to minimize the presence of PFOA and PFOS chemicals at the White Haven well facility. $2 million was awarded to the Minersville Sewer Authority for the replacement of the authority’s chlorine disinfection system with a modern ultraviolet system. The upgrade will improve safety and efficiency, with the existing system remaining partially in use during the transition to ensure uninterrupted service. These projects can be very expensive for smaller communities, and I’m grateful that PENNVEST recognizes how important supporting this work is. Argall Report: Preventing Devastating Floods in Western Schuylkill County and Beyond
The April edition of my local tv program examines successful strategies to protect communities from flooding. The show covers two recent events – a tour of the flood mitigation project near Pine Grove and Tremont mentioned above and a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee where engineers and local officials discussed the importance of stream maintenance. Any community that has experienced severe floods knows to plan ahead before the next storm hits. By sharing these strategies with other flood-prone communities and working together, we can protect more of our homes, workplaces, roads, and neighborhoods from the life-changing devastation caused by severe floods. Watch the full show here. Students: Apply Now for Grow PA Scholarships and Improve Access for Everyone
People across the state have felt the pain of industries with declining workforces, from the long waits to see a doctor or a skilled mechanic. We took action to address those issues – and to reduce the loss of talent as young adults begin their careers in other states, rarely to return to Pennsylvania. The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification for an in-demand occupation. Qualifying courses of study include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Because the funding is being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s important to apply as soon as possible. To qualify for the grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they receive the grant. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan requiring repayment. Learn more or apply here. How to Locate Lost Military Documents
A veteran’s DD214 is a vital document when it comes to receiving the benefits they deserve. It provides the member and the branch of service with a concise record of a period of time with the armed forces at the time of the member’s separation, discharge or change in military status. Veterans discharged from 2010 and after can access their own digital records by setting up an account through the VA e-Benefits portal. Veterans who were discharged before then may complete the Standard Form 180, which includes mailing instructions on the last page. They may also visit the National Archives and Records Administration site to submit a signed form electronically. Anyone who needs assistance is encouraged to call 1-800-547-2838, email RA-REQ@pg.gov or learn more online.
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