STATE WATERSHED GRANTS AWARDED

 HARRISBURG, JULY 27 – State grants were awarded to conservation districts in Delaware and Montgomery counties to help improve the quality and quantity of the state’s surface and groundwater resources, announced state Sen. Connie Williams.

 “Water is one of the most valuable of our natural resources and must be protected,” Williams said. “Through Growing Greener the state is providing funds to help communities protect natural resources, which in turn improve the quality of life for everyone in the community.”

 Both the Delaware and Montgomery County Conservation Districts were awarded $64,000 grants under the Environmental Stewardship and Watershed Protection Grant Program, which is part of Growing Greener. Growing Greener is the state’s environmental protection program.

 Grant funds will be used for the employment of a watershed specialist in each county. Specialists provide technical assistance that will improve the watershed organization development and quality and quantity of Pennsylvania’s surface and groundwater resources. Specialists will work on watershed assessment, procurement of funding, technical assistance and the creation of work plans and strategies to restore and protect groundwater and surface water resources.

 The grants were awarded through the Department of Environmental Protection.