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State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, is encouraging organizations involved in water resource restoration and protection across Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties to apply for the next round of Growing Greener grants through the Department of Environmental Protection's Growing Greener Plus Grants Program.
"Investing in our environment is an important investment in our future," Sen. Yaw said, according to a news release. "I hope every eligible entity across the 23rd Senate District takes advantage of this important program. My office is ready to assist any potential applicant who may have questions during the application process."
New this year, applicants may apply for Stormwater Management Planning grants under the Storm Water Management Act. Growing Greener grants are designed to improve or protect this Commonwealth's waters from nonpoint source pollution associated with agricultural activities, acid mine drainage, stormwater runoff, energy resource extraction and streambank and shoreline degradation, according to the news release. Bond Forfeiture and AMD Set-Aside grants, offered as part of Growing Greener Plus, are designed to address legacy mining impacts.
Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, county conservation districts, watershed organizations, councils of governments, educational institutions and other organizations dedicated to water clean-up and preservation are encouraged to apply.
Priority areas for Growing Greener grants include projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution - especially nitrogen, phosphorous and sediment pollution from agricultural and stormwater runoff - as well as AMD-related iron, aluminum, acidity and sediment pollution, the news release said. The state is particularly interested in design and construction projects that implement effective Best Management Practices to reduce or eliminate pollutant loadings and lead to local water quality improvements.
Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted online through the Commonwealth's Electronic Single Application website, eGrants, at www.esa.dced.state.pa.us. Applications will be accepted beginning at 8 a.m. on April 21. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on June 23. Late submissions will not be considered.