Three local organizations received over $3 million in grant funding, allocated from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Community Conservation Partnerships Program and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Growing Greener Program. The grants are designed to aid environmental conservation projects in the region and across Pennsylvania.

Of the funding, $2.85 million was awarded to the Stroud Water Research Center, a nonprofit organization based in Avondale, for the installation of 300 acres of riparian buffers statewide and the management of an additional 60 acres of previous plantings. Maintenance for existing buffers includes the removal of invasive species and tree shelter tubes to protect new plantings from wildlife such as deer.

Riparian buffers are planted zones near waterways that secure banks, provide natural filtration, support ecosystems, prevent runoff, and protect homes, businesses, and roadways from flooding.

Other grant funding awards include $261,870 to the White Clay Watershed Association for a Green Storm Water Infrastructure Rain Garden Demonstration Project in Avondale Borough. In addition, $66,000 was awarded to Avondale Borough for the rehabilitation of Pomeroy Avenue Park. The anticipated work will include renovations to the parking area, construction of a pedestrian walkway and stormwater management measures, and installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, as well as ADA access, landscaping, a project sign, and other related site improvements.

For more information, contact Rep. Christina Sappey's office at 484-200-8264.