Labor Day is fast approaching, but the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has the state’s coastal zones in its sites, even as the rest of us trudge back to school and the office.
The DEP has awarded more than $750,000 in annual coastal zone management grants to 22 nonprofit and government organizations for 25 projects in counties that border Pennsylvania’s coastal zones or have a direct impact on water quality in those areas. These spaces face increasing pressure from development, erosion, biodiversity losses and pollution. Projects range from pollution management to new park facilities to waterside trails.
“These grants play an important role to ensure the protection of our coastal waters,” explains DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo. “This money will not only improve coastal waters, but provide additional recreational and educational opportunities for nearby residents.”
Pennsylvania has two coastal areas. The 112-mile stretch along the Delaware Estuary in Bucks, Delaware and Philadelphia counties contains islands, marshes and the shorelands of tributaries that are affected by ocean tides; it is one of the largest freshwater ports in the world. The 76-mile Lake Erie coastal zone includes several major tributaries’ shorelines.
Applications for 2015 grants are due by October 22.
Source: DEP
Writer: Elise Vider