LOCAL TOWNSHIPS AWARDED STATE GRANTS

 HARRISBURG, JUNE 28 – State Sen. Connie Williams credited residents of Plymouth and Haverford townships for pitching in to protect the environment.

 “Each time someone took the few extra minutes needed to separate the trash, they were contributing to the environmental well-being of the community,” Williams said. “Every little bit counts toward protecting valuable natural resources in our communities and in the state.”

 For their efforts, the townships were awarded state grants. The grant amount is based on total tons recycled and the municipality’s overall recycling rate for calendar year 2002.

 Haverford Township was awarded a $99,282 grant and Plymouth Township a $29,735 grant.

 “These grants are given as incentive to communities to increase recycling rates and help the state to exceed its overall statewide recycling goal, which now stands at 35 percent of all municipal waste,” Williams said. “Residents of these communities have shown that they are wonderful environmental stewards.”

 The grants, awarded by the Department of Environmental Protection, are in addition to funds allocated to municipalities to establish and maintain recycling programs.