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Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Offers $3.5 Million in Grants for Innovative Water, Wastewater Projects

Posted on: Monday, 1 May 2006, 12:00 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell will invest $3.5 million to help Pennsylvania municipalities, municipal authorities and public school districts finance improvements to existing sewage facilities and drinking water systems using new or innovative technologies.

"Pennsylvania's water and wastewater infrastructure plays a critical role in environmental protection and public health," Governor Rendell said. "It is also among the unseen links in the state's work to promote economic prosperity. We have to upgrade our infrastructure to grow our economy and keep residents safe."

Grants of up to $500,000 will be available through Growing Greener to make physical improvements to existing drinking water and sewage treatment facilities, and sanitary and combined sewer collection/conveyance systems. The deadline for submitting grant applications to the Department of Environmental Protection is June 30.

"Pennsylvania remains a leader in encouraging innovation and advancing technology to keep residents safe and the environment clean," DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said. "This program provides the opportunity for applicants to take advantage of state-of-the-art equipment to improve Pennsylvania's water and wastewater facilities."

Preference will be given to the following new or innovative projects: nutrient reduction technologies in watersheds where nutrient removal has been identified by DEP as a priority; water reuse and conservation technologies; holistic approaches to treatment of drinking water for arsenic; cost-effective treatment of groundwater under the direct influence of surface water.

New or innovative technology refers to technology that is commercially available but not yet widely used in Pennsylvania. New or innovative technology should provide one or more significant advantages over conventional technology.

In February, Governor Rendell invested more than $2.2 million to help seven communities in six counties implement new and innovative technologies to treat drinking water and wastewater. The projects will reduce critical or chronic public health and environmental hazards.

Through the use of Growing Greener funds, DEP uses this program to encourage technological advances that will significantly improve the efficiency, effectiveness and reliability of existing facilities.

Governor Rendell's Growing Greener II initiative highlighted the importance that clean and healthy water resources have not only in protecting public health, but also in ensuring Pennsylvania remains economically competitive. The Governor's voter-approved initiative provides $625 million over six years to enhance the health of Pennsylvania waterways by limiting nutrient loading and preventing nonpoint source pollution.

The deadline for submitting innovative water and wastewater grant applications to the DEP Grants Center is June 30. The application form is available electronically on DEP's Web site at http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/, Keyword: "Growing Greener Innovative Technology."

The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.

CONTACT: Kate Philips, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116; or Kerry Chippo, DEP, +1-717-787-1323.

Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Kate Philips, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,+1-717-783-1116; or Kerry Chippo, DEP, +1-717-787-1323

Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/http://www.governor.state.pa.us/http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/

Source: PRNewswire

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