PADEP visits Pine Grove floodplain project, touts grant program
PHOTO COURTESY / COMMONWEALTH MEDIA SERVICES
PINE GROVE – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection celebrated Earth Day in southwestern Schuylkill County, touting the Growing Greener grant program.
DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley and Deputy Secretary of the Office of Water Programs Jill Whitcomb stopped by the Swatara Creek Floodplain Restoration Project to see the impact of the program firsthand.
The restoration project received $1.8 Million in Growing Greener funding.
“Growing Greener is one of the most successful conservation programs in Pennsylvania history, and it is great to see the positive impact that these projects can have for our communities. These grants empower communities to build environmental improvements right where they live – ensuring cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and more resilient infrastructure,” said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “We’re proud to open the next round of funding on Earth Day to recognize that protecting the environment benefits our communities and the people of Pennsylvania.”
Since 2004, Pine Grove has had more than ten major flooding events and targeted restoration efforts were implemented to reduce the impacts of such events.
The Swatara Creek Floodplain Restoration Project restored 20.9 acres of floodplain, created 8.1 acres of wetland, and stabilized 8,139 feet of streambank, DEP says.
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