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Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance has received notification of a grant selection by the Biden-Harris Administration through the US Environmental Protection Agency. These grants address environmental justice projects across Pennsylvania as part of the Investing in America Agenda.
SCRA served as the grant applicant; partners are FAR Better Together and Shamokin Community Gardens and Pocket Parks. The maximum award of $500,000 was requested and granted. The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving program intentionally targeted small, non-profit organizations that historically struggle to receive federal funding.
The local award will establish a brick-and-mortar presence in the Shamokin Area and provide a full-time community coordinator position. Area non-profits will be invited to participate in the pooling of resources, volunteers, and services.
Citing the pre-pandemic town hall meeting held in February 2020, organizers recognized the need for grass roots revitalization efforts in the community. As a result, several groups were formed with the goal of improving life in the greater Shamokin area.
Currently, each of the partners is working independently without the benefit of paid staff.
Another problem with "working in silos" is that projects are sometimes duplicated. By joining forces, groups will have access to more volunteers, ideas, skill sets, and funding opportunities. In addition to dedicated staff, the funds will provide for a local office that is visible and accessible.
An EPA advisor will be assigned to the group in the near future. Further developments will be made public through local media outlets and social media.
The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association serves an 11,000-square-mile watershed of the Susquehanna River, including Sullivan, Lycoming, Clinton, Union and Northumberland counties. Read more at www.middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org.