
Mechanicsburg-based Pennsylvania American Water is accepting applications for its 2023 Environmental Grant Program for projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and groundwater supplies in local communities.
“So many of our communities and local organizations work to improve our environment and our water resources,” said Marcus Kohl, director of water quality and environmental compliance for Pennsylvania American Water. “We’re proud to continue offering this grant to support those initiatives and positively impact our natural resources.”
Last year, the Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley used the funding to plant live-stake nurseries to be used for future riparian zone plantings and streambank stabilization projects. One of these nurseries was planted in Lake Heritage, Adams County.
To qualify, proposed projects must be:
- Located within the Pennsylvania American Water service area
- Completed between May and November of the grant funding year
- Be a new, innovative community initiative or serve as a significant expansion to an existing program
- Be carried out by a formal or informal partnership between two or more organizations
- Provide evidence of sustainability (continued existence after the grant monies are utilized)
A panel of judges will evaluate the applications based on environmental need, innovation, community engagement and sustainability.
Information and applications can be found on the Environmental Grant Program page of the company’s website, under News & Community. For additional information, contact [email protected]. Applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2023, and recipients will be notified in late April.
In 2022, the program awarded nearly $75,000 to 13 recipients, including: Berks Nature (Berks County); Fairview Township (York County); Silver Spring Township (Cumberland County); Warren County Conservation District; and Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley (Northampton County.)
Established in 2005, the grant program has donated more than $650,000 to fund more than 135 projects.