The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced it has awarded a $1.4 million grant to PA Cleanways, also known as Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful (KPB), to increase community involvement with waste issues through illegal dumping abatement, public education and promotion of long-term stewardship.
“With this grant, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful will be able continue their important efforts to educate Pennsylvanians on their vital role in keeping their communities clean and reducing illegal littering and dumping across the state,” DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo said.
The grant funds will enable KPB to implement a community-based illegal dump abatement program, provide assistance during the Great Pennsylvania Cleanup, support new and existing KPB chapters across the state, revise and distribute educational program and environmental stewardship support materials, and enhance its volunteer recognition program.
The organization, which is based in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, has chapters in 36 counties throughout Pennsylvania and is responsible for the clean-up of more than 48,000 tons of waste from communities, parks, trails, streams and roadsides.
The grant is being provided by DEP’s Solid Waste Abatement Fund which is supported by fines and penalties assessed by DEP for violations of waste regulations and will be disbursed over a three year period.