For Immediate Release: May 23, 2016
Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition Applauds Wolf Administration’s Announcement of Growing Greener Grants
Renews Call for Increased Funding to Protect and Preserve Water Resources
(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today issued the following statement from Executive Director Andrew Heath in response to the recent announcement by Gov. Wolf that 114 projects will receive a total of $25.1 million in Growing Greener funding through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP):
“The Coalition is pleased that the Wolf administration recognizes the need to improve water quality in Pennsylvania and is investing in projects to enhance our watersheds, mitigate acid mine drainage, and support programs to reduce pollution.
“These investments through the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund are critical to keeping our drinking water clean and ensuring that current and future generations are able to enjoy our rivers, lakes, streams and other waterways.
“It is important to note, however, that funding for Growing Greener program has declined. Most recently, the 2015-2016 fiscal year budget decreased the fund by $15 million from the previous year’s level of funding.
“Currently, the Environmental Stewardship Fund derives its revenues from the state’s tipping fee as well as the Marcellus Legacy Fund. But with nearly 20,000 miles of waterways polluted we need to do more.
“The Coalition urges lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to come together to advance a Growing Greener III initiative to continue investments to protect and preserve Pennsylvania’s water resources as well as our green open spaces, family farms, parks and trails, and historic sites.”
