Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced the opening of the next round of Growing Greener Plus Grant Program applications. Growing Greener is the largest single investment of state funds in Pennsylvania's history to address critical environmental concerns like flooding. The grant openings are being announced in celebration of Earth Day and a field visit by the Shapiro Administration, the Schuylkill Conservation District, and other local 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,” said 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.”
Growing Greener 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. To date, Growing Greener Grants have provided almost $420 million in funding to more than 2,800 environmental projects.
DEP also highlighted the partnership with the Schuylkill Conservation District in celebration of Conservation District Week. Conservation districts have sponsored many of the Growing Greener projects across Pennsylvania.
For more information on the Growing Greener Plus Grant Program, application guidance, and to apply, visit DEP’s website, Growing Greener Plus Grants Program.
The announcement took place during a site visit to the Swatara Creek Floodplain Restoration Project, within Pine Grove Borough, where DEP Acting Secretary Shirley and Deputy Secretary of the Office of Water Programs Jill Whitcomb viewed the impact of the program firsthand. This project received almost $1.8 million in Growing Greener funding.
Since 2004, Pine Grove has endured more than 10 major flood events, causing significant harm to both residents and local businesses. Targeted restoration efforts were implemented to reduce these impacts. The project restored 20.9 acres of floodplain, created 8.1 acres of wetlands, and stabilized 8,139 linear feet of streambank. These efforts not only reduced flooding in Pine Grove but also improved water quality in the watershed and contributed to the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
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