'GROWING GREENER' $$$
Money available for environmental projects

In 2005, Pennsylvania voters approved a bond issue to generate $625 million for environmental and conservation projects across the state.

"Growing Greener" is now a popular program among communities, non-profit organizations and some private landowners.

In Potter County, the Conservation District has put out a call to landowners who have stream bank erosion problems to apply for funds. Generally, Growing Greener money can be used to cover 80 percent of a project's cost, while the property owner pays the other 20 percent, either in cash or through in-kind service.

Landowners interested in the program should contact Jack Fleckenstein at 274- 8411, extension 102. Deadline is Feb. 29.

That's just one aspect of Growing Greener. Funds can also be used for community recreation, open space, land trust, rails-to-trails, rivers, and conservation projects.

To help local governments and non-profit organizations tap into Growing Greener, the Pa. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is holding a free workshop in Clarion on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 9 am to noon at the Holiday Inn. Additional information is available at 234- 4272.

"Growing Greener presents opportunities for communities to create or improve community parks, greenways, trails, rivers and open space, which not only enhance quality of life, but also economic vitality," said DCNR Secretary Mike DiBerardinis.

Deadline to submit applications for DCNR's Community Conservation Partnerships Program is April 25.

The primary source of money for Growing Greener is $625 million in bonds. Other sources include federal funds and money appropriated by the state legislature.

At least $60 million annually is designated for acid mine drainage abatement and mine cleanup. Another $10 million annually goes to the Energy Development Authority for advanced energy projects.

Other allotments are as follows: up to $5 million annually for cleaning up brownfields sites for industrial re-use; up to $217 million for DCNR; $100 million for state parks and forests; $90 million for open space conservation; $80 million for farmland preservation; and $50 million for Pa. Dept. of Community and Economic Development downtown improvement projects, such as water systems and wastewater treatment.

Also, $27.5 million for the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission; $20 million for the Pa. Game Commission; and $90 million for counties to administer capital environmental projects.

Additionally, funds are being used to clean up hazardous waste sites; for historic preservation tax credits and grants, and for sales tax forgiveness on energy-efficient appliances.

Growing Greener uses no new taxes or fees. The $625 million debt is being paid back through state-imposed "tipping fees" for garbage disposal at permitted landfills.