Adjust Text Size

For Immediate Release
January 10, 2000

Growing Greener Grant Workshops Scheduled

Harrisburg –The recently enacted Environmental Stewardship and Watershed Protection Act, spearheaded by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), is making available grants to protect and restore watersheds, reclaim abandoned mines and plug abandoned oil and gas wells.

Local governments and organizations can apply now for the first round of grants to be awarded from the five-year program, known as Growing Greener.

Applications must be received by the state Department of Environmental Protection by February 11, 2000. DEP has scheduled six workshops across the commonwealth to assist prospective applicants.

In this region, workshops will be held January 19 at DEP's Northwest Regional Office, 230 Chestnut St., Meadville; and January 20 at the Sheraton Inn – Pittsburgh North, 910 Sheraton Dr., Mars.

Eligible applicants include:

• Counties, authorities and other municipalities;
• County conservation districts;
• Watershed organizations recognized by DEP;
• Other authorized organizations, including nonprofit entities involved in activities that protect, enhance or preserve Pennsylvania's environmental resources.

To request an application or obtain more information, potential applicants can visit the DEP web site at www.dep.state.pa.us, send e-mail to GrowingGreener@dep.state.pa.us or contact the Growing Greener Grant Center at 877-PAGREEN.

"We are anxious to put this money to work as soon as possible to begin the process of environmental restoration," said White.

CONTACT: Pat Henderson (717) 787-9684