Last week, the state Department of Environmental Protection announced grant awards of more than $17 million for 89 projects across Pennsylvania that will restore streams, improve fish and wildlife habitat, and reclaim mine lands. The grants are part of the Growing Greener program, Pennsylvania’s largest environmental grant program.  

“Growing Greener grants are one of the best investments that Pennsylvania makes into improving our environment,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These 89 projects will lead to cleaner water for us to drink and swim in, better habitat for fish and wildlife, and less pollution in our streams and rivers. It enables local governments, county conservation districts, and non-profit organizations to make Pennsylvania a better place to live and thrive.” 

While many grants went to conservation districts to perform conservation projects, many in townships, here are some of the townships that received direct awards from this program: 

• Tredyffrin Township, Chester County – $156,450 for the West Circular Avenue: Stormwater Management and Drainage Improvement Project 

• Kingsley Township, Forest County – $451,998 for the Kingsley Township Tionesta Creek Stabilization Project 

• Warwick Township, Lancaster County- $170,000 for the Cocalico Creek Tributary Stream Restoration at Pump Station 18 – Implementation 

• Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County – $164,000 for the Lower Salford – Briarwyck Park Stream Restoration Project 

• Hellam Township, York County – $155,356 for Kreutz Creek Watershed Floodplain Restoration, Design, and Permitting