Restoration of streams, improvement of fish and wildlife habitat and enhancing best management practices for stormwater runoff.

These are among the benefits for the region that state Rep. Joe Hamm, R-Hepburn Township, announced recently that over $488,000 has been awarded to Lycoming and Sullivan counties for projects for just those kinds of projects that are crucial to tourism and improving the region’s quality of life.

This funding is provided through the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

“These awards will improve our streams and wildlife habitats to meet the needs of residents and wildlife for years to come,” said Hamm, according to a news release. “Our area is home to some of the best, and cleanest streams in the state. I will continue to support projects like these in Lycoming and Sullivan counties.”

The distributions in Lycoming and Sullivan counties include:

• Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy — $166,000 for partnering to improve the

Chesapeake Bay.

• Trout Unlimited Inc. — $194,319 for streambank stabilization, riparian planting and habitat improvement in the Texas Creek watershed.

• Sullivan County Conservation District — $127,809 for Sullivan County agricultural best management practices from stormwater and resource protection.

DEP supports a range of projects to improve or protect the water, land and air in Pennsylvania.

These grants are part of the Growing Greener program, Pennsylvania’s largest environmental grant program.