Shante' Brown, Deputy Secretary of Child Development and Early Learning | Pennsylvania Department Of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has opened applications for the next round of the Growing Greener Plus Grant Program. This is the largest investment of state funds in Pennsylvania aimed at addressing environmental issues such as flooding. The announcement coincided with Earth Day and a field visit by the Shapiro Administration, alongside the Schuylkill Conservation District and other officials, to the Swatara Creek Floodplain Restoration site near Pine Grove Borough.
"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. These grants empower communities to build environmental improvements right where they live - ensuring cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and more resilient infrastructure," stated DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. "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."
The grants can be awarded to watershed groups, local or county government, municipal authorities, county planning commissions, county conservation districts, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations. So far, nearly $420 million has been allocated through Growing Greener Grants to over 2,800 projects.
Speakers for the event included Wayne Lehman from the Schuylkill County Conservation District, Sierra Diebert and Kelly Stine from Guilford Performance Textiles by Lear Corporation, Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley from the Department of Environmental Protection, Elaine Holley from Pine Grove Borough, Christine Verdier from Senator Argall's office, Representative Joanne Stehr from the 107th district, and Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess.
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