State Grants $2.3M to Plant Local Trees

On July 20, Gov. Tom Corbett announced the investment of $99 million in 27 non-point source, drinking water, and wastewater projects in 20 counties, including $2.3 million for a tree-planting project in Bucks, Montgomery and Delaware counties.

“The PENNVEST Board of Directors today made another commitment to the future of Pennsylvania’s environment and economic well-being,” Corbett said in a release. “By investing millions of dollars in clean water and job-creating projects all across the state, the board has taken another significant step in furthering the administration’s vision of a brighter and more secure future for our children and grandchildren.”

Of the $99 million total, $73 million is for low-interest loans and $26 million is offered as grants.

Among the awards was a $2,294,902 grant to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission to control storm water runoff in seven municipalities in Bucks, Delaware and Montgomery Counties by planting more than 3,000 trees in these communities.

The funding comes from a combination of commonwealth funds approved by voter referenda, federal grants to PENNVEST from the Environmental Protection agency and recycled loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards. Funds for the projects are disbursed after bills for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PENNVEST.