Pennsylvania DEP Accepting Applications for Watershed and Flood Protection Grants

Pennsylvania DEP Accepting Applications for Watershed and Flood Protection
Grants

Deadline to Apply is July 17

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Environmental Protection
Secretary John Hanger today announced that DEP is now accepting grant
applications for watershed protection and restoration and flood protection
projects under the Growing Greener Plus program, which allows applicants to
seek funding for a variety of projects through a single application process.

"The Growing Greener program has profoundly improved the health of our
waterways, funding hundreds of projects that enhance and protect water quality
and providing needed financial support to local community and watershed groups
so this vital work can continue," said Hanger. "This year we have taken steps
to further simplify and streamline the application process, reducing the size
of the application package and using Web links for relevant information."

In this round of grants, DEP will invest in projects that protect watersheds
from impairment due to nonpoint source pollution or that will restore damaged
waterways. Examples of special priority areas include: watershed renaissance
projects -- comprehensive watershed plan implementation in a small watershed;
projects located in "priority" watersheds to reduce the source of impairment;
and "priority" activities that lead to water quality restoration or
protection.

Examples of eligible projects include reducing nonpoint source pollution in
watersheds where streams are impaired; integrating stormwater management and
flood protection into watershed management; encouraging the use of abandoned
mine pool water; and water conservation strategies and projects that will help
reduce Total Maximum Daily Load pollutants.

Through the same process, applicants can also apply for funding through the
department's flood protection grant program and Section 319 nonpoint source
grant flood protection grants for communities that operate and maintain state
and federal flood protection projects. Section 319 grants focus on funding
similar projects to Growing Greener but with special emphasis within targeted
watersheds.

Eligible applicants include counties, authorities and other municipalities;
county conservation districts; councils of governments; watershed
organizations recognized by the department that promote local watershed
conservation efforts; and other authorized organizations involved in the
restoration and protection of the environment in Pennsylvania.

Applications must be postmarked no later than July 17. If hand delivered,
application packages must be received by the DEP Grants Center by 4 p.m. on
that date. Late submissions will not be considered.

For more information on Growing Greener, or to receive an application package,
email GrowingGreener@state.pa.us, phone (717) 705-5400 or visit DEP's Web site
at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Growing Greener.

CONTACT:
Tom Rathbun
(717) 787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Tom Rathbun of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection,
+1-717-787-1323