HARRISBURG, Pa. — State environmental officials have opened the latest round of the Growing Greener Plus grant program.
The Growing Greener Plus Grant Program aims to address critical environmental concerns such as like flooding, as well as protect waterways and watersheds, officials said.
The grants come from the Environmental Stewardship fund.
The program is open to watershed groups, local or county government, municipal authorities, county planning commissions, county conservation districts, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.
Applications are due June 20, and grantees have three years to implement projects.
“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,” said Jessica Shirley, the DEP’s acting secretary, in a news release.
“These grants empower communities to build environmental improvements right where they live — ensuring cleaner water, healthier ecosystems and more resilient infrastructure.”
“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.”
Valley projects funded
During the program’s last round, eight projects were funded, totaling more than $1.2 million. Three projects were from the Valley.
The Lehigh County Conservation District was awarded $127,250 for stream restoration projects.
Two Wildlands Conservancy projects were funded, including $163,517 for the Lehigh Valley Stream Restoration Project.
And $50,000 for Landowner Outreach and Project Development in the Lehigh Valley and Lehigh River Watershed Phase III.
“The Growing Greener Plus grant program empowers communities to pursue environmental progress and innovation."Jessica Shirley, Pa. DEP’s acting secretary
“The Growing Greener Plus grant program empowers communities to pursue environmental progress and innovation,” Shirley said in a news release announcing the awards.
“This support fuels vital Pennsylvania initiatives that protect our land and restore local watersheds. As a result, our commonwealth can look forward to a greener future.”
So far, almost $420 million has been disbursed to more than 2,800 environmental projects through Growing Greener grants.
