WILKES-BARRE – The Department of Environmental Protection will hold an information session on Feb. 8 to provide guidance on the 2007 Growing Greener I & II grant application process and schedule. The information session is planned from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at DEP’s Northeast Regional Office, 2 Public Square in Wilkes-Barre.
The session will provide information on the 2007 Growing Greener application package and process, with descriptions of changes to the new application and an outline of the department’s priorities for this grant round. Copies of the 2007 grant application package will be available at the session.
“Growing Greener represents an unprecedented investment in Pennsylvania’s environmental health, helping to ensure our economic competitiveness,” Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said. “With every new project, we bring together the people and resources needed to clean up watersheds, create new recreational opportunities and revitalize communities across the state.”
The grants will finance projects designed to clean up rivers and streams, address serious environmental problems at abandoned mines and contaminated industrial sites, enhance local recreational needs and improve quality of life for residents of the commonwealth.
In the upcoming round of grants, DEP will invest in projects that address watershed impairments and protection through stream restoration, nutrient and sediment trading, stormwater management, and abandoned mine drainage projects that address long-term operation and maintenance challenges.
Of special interest are projects for resource recovery and innovative mine drainage treatment, as well as projects that undertake an integrated approach to water resources management at the county or watershed level.
In addition, preference will be given to projects – including multiple projects – that seek to restore an impaired watershed using a comprehensive approach. Projects that include private and public partnerships, promote the long term coordinated stewardship and restoration of the watershed and educate others regarding their roles in protecting the watershed and water supplies are of particular interest to the department.
Eligible projects also could include improving water quality in watersheds where streams are impaired; integrating stormwater management and flood protection into watershed management; encouraging the beneficial use of abandoned mine pool water; and watershed restoration and conservation strategies and projects that will help meet pollutant total maximum daily loads.
Applications must be postmarked no later than April 13. If hand delivered, the package must be received by 4:30 p.m. Late submissions will not be considered.
As part of the application process, applicants can seek funding through DEP’s Flood Protection Grant Program and the federal Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant Program. Flood protection grants fund project improvements, non-routine maintenance and specialized equipment in communities that operate and maintain state and federal flood protection projects. Section 319 grants fund development of watershed implementation plans that address nonpoint source impairments.
For more information about or directions to the Growing Greener Grant Application Session, call 570-826-2511 or visit DEP’s Web site at www.dep.state.pa.us, Keyword: “Growing Greener.” To request an application package, e-mail GrowingGreener@state.pa.us.