Thursday, January 10, 2019

Grant Announced for Port Carbon Flood Plain Restoration Project

Following a year with unprecedented rain events and catastrophic flooding, Governor Tom Wolf has announced more than $3 million in grants for projects to help reduce and control storm water for Pennsylvania communities.

“The storms of 2018 showed the devastation that rushing floodwaters can cause for communities,” said Governor Wolf. “In addition to rebuilding what was lost, it is also important to prepare for the future and these projects will help protect communities, and in many cases, reduce water pollution as well.”

Grants were awarded for nine projects, funded through the Growing Greener program. Many of the projects involve stream bank restoration to repair and restore fish habitat and prevent future erosion. Other projects are for floodplain restoration, which allows storm water to spread out and slow down, so it can be absorbed into the groundwater, rather than rushing over stream banks.

“Growing Greener projects have been instrumental in cleaning up abandoned mine lands, preserving farmland, and protecting and restoring watersheds throughout the commonwealth,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell, whose department oversees the grants. “These grants are an investment into improving waterways now and protecting against future flooding for these communities.”

In Schuylkill County, the Mill Creek Flood Plain Restoration Project was approved.  The $325,000 project will restore the  flood plain and reduce flooding impacts along Mill Creek in the Borough of Port Carbon.