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October 16, 2024 - Harrisburg, PA

Shapiro Administration Awards $3.4 Million for Stream and Watershed Restoration Projects

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds.

"Ensuring clean water and healthy watersheds is a fundamental right for all Pennsylvanians. With these grant awards we will continue our work to reduce pollution and improve water quality in Pennsylvania," said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. "These projects are creating healthier streams and wetlands across Pennsylvania, reducing flood risk and improving fish and wildlife habitat. We are building on the success we are seeing in the Chesapeake Bay watershed by restoring streambanks, removing legacy sediment, and treating mine water discharge, among other improvements."

The 12 awards are funded by the Section 319 Grant program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and selected by DEP. The purpose of the grants is to support projects that carry out best management practices (BMPs) specified in Watershed Implementation Plans for 43 watersheds around the state. The program also supports development of new Watershed Implementation Plans for impaired watersheds in Environmental Justice (EJ) areas. Ten of the 12 grants are for projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

List of Speakers:
Adam Ortiz, EPA Region 3 Regional Administrator
Jill Whitcomb, Acting Deputy Secretary for Water Programs, DEP
Chris Thompson, Lancaster County Conservation District Manager
Amanda Goldsmith, Watershed Specialist with Lancaster County Conservation District
Matt Kofroth, Asst. District Mgr. with the Lancaster County Conservation District



Lancaster, PA.  Mallard ducks swim past a Great Blue Heron in the Mill Creek in East Lampeter Twp. Lancaster County.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_01.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Trees planted several years ago in East Lampeter Twp. to create a riparian buffer along Mill Creek.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_02.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Adam Ortiz, EPA Region 3 Regional Administrator speaks during Wednesdays event in East Lampeter, Lancaster County.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_03.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Adam Ortiz, EPA Region 3 Regional Administrator speaks during Wednesdays event in East Lampeter, Lancaster County.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_04.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Trees planted several years ago in East Lampeter Twp. to create a riparian buffer along Mill Creek. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_05.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Jill Whitcomb and Matt Kofroth look on as Adam Ortiz speaks during Wednesdays event in East Lampeter Twp, along the Mill Creek.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_06.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Chris Thompson  and Amanda Goldsmith look on as Adam Ortiz speaks during Wednesdays event in East Lampeter Twp, along the Mill Creek.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_07.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Jill Whitcomb, Acting Deputy Secretary for Water Programs, DEP speaks during Wednesdays event in East Lampeter, Lancaster County.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_08.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Chris Thompson, Lancaster County Conservation District Manager speaks during Wednesdays event in East Lampeter, Lancaster County.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_09.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Chris Thompson, Lancaster County Conservation District Manager speaks during Wednesdays event in East Lampeter, Lancaster County.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_10.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Amanda Goldsmith, Watershed Specialist with Lancaster County Conservation District speaks during Wednesdays event in East Lampeter, Lancaster County.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_11.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Matt Kofroth, Asst. District Mgr. with the Lancaster County Conservation District speaks during Wednesdays event in East Lampeter, Lancaster County.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_12.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Future site of a park in East Lampeter Twp., Lancaster County along the Mill Creek.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_13.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Participants of Wednesdays event tour the grounds of a future park in East Lampeter Twp, along the Mill Creek.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_14.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Participants of Wednesdays event tour the grounds of a future park in East Lampeter Twp, along the Mill Creek.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_15.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Participants of Wednesdays event tour the grounds of a future park in East Lampeter Twp, along the Mill Creek.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_16.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  A Great Blue Heron in the Mill Creek in East Lampeter Twp. Lancaster County.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_17.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Mallard ducks in the Mill Creek in East Lampeter Twp. Lancaster County.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_18.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Trees planted several years ago in East Lampeter Twp. to create a riparian buffer along Mill Creek.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_19.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  The Mill Creek  stream in East Lampeter Twp. Lancaster County.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_20.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  The Mill Creek  stream in East Lampeter Twp. Lancaster County.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_21.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Trees planted several years ago in East Lampeter Twp. to create a riparian buffer along Mill Creek.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_22.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Trees planted several years ago in East Lampeter Twp. to create a riparian buffer along Mill Creek.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_23.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Trees planted several years ago in East Lampeter Twp. to create a riparian buffer along Mill Creek.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_24.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Trees planted several years ago in East Lampeter Twp. to create a riparian buffer along Mill Creek.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_25.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Trees planted several years ago in East Lampeter Twp. to create a riparian buffer along Mill Creek.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_26.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Lancaster, PA.  Trees planted several years ago in East Lampeter Twp. to create a riparian buffer along Mill Creek.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces more than $3.4 million in grants to projects to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania's part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and other watersheds. October 16, 2024.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/26703_DEP_WatershedGrants_AG_27.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>