On behalf of Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty announced $1.2 million in federal and state grant money for projects to protect and enhance Pennsylvania's coastal zones while reducing conflict between competing land and water uses.
"Pennsylvania's coastal resources have tremendous potential to encourage environmental protection and stimulate economic growth," Secretary McGinty said. "The work being done in both the Lake Erie and Delaware Estuary coastal zones proves that Pennsylvanians can employ sound practices for use of land and water resources while successfully fueling the economy."
McGinty was joined at the announcement ceremony by Chester Mayor Wendell M. Butler; John Pickett of the Delaware County Planning Department; representatives of Preferred Realty; and Jim Harper, Laborers Local 413.
The Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management Program provides grants and technical assistance to local governments and state agencies to help improve public access, protect natural resources, expand strategies to improve local economies, promote proper planning and conserve coastal resources.
The majority of Coastal Zone Management Grants are funded through the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from money made available by Congress. Grant recipients include local governments, nonprofit organizations and state agencies.
For more information on this topic, visit DEP's website at www.dep.state.pa.us, Keyword: "Coastal Zone."
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
