Local Governments Representing 7.5 Million Pennsylvanians Support Growing Greener Renewal

With the addition of Elk County's support today for the renewal of the Growing Greener Program, local governments representing 7.5 million Pennsylvanians have formally adopted resolutions joining the Renew Growing Greener effort.

"The Coalition commends the Elk County Commissioners for recognizing the significant contributions Growing Greener has made to the community from protecting drinking water to protecting open space," said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition. "It is the Coalition's sincere hope that the legislature – as it debates funding for the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund – realizes that public support for the program continues to grow."

"Elk County has benefited tremendously from investments supported by Growing Greener," said County Commissioner Dan Freeburg. "If the Environmental Stewardship Fund is depleted, we will have a much harder time completing projects that are important to maintaining the quality of life in Elk County."

Among other accomplishments, Growing Greener has benefited Elk County by:

-- Investing $5.5 million in reclaiming nearly 280 acres of abandoned mine lands in Gray Hill, Kersey, Caledonia Northwest, Dents Run and Porcupine Hollow.

-- Plugging 108 abandoned wells in Jones and Benezette townships.

-- Restoring water quality within Big Mill Creek with the remediation acid deposition.

-- Protecting drinking water with more than $1 million in investments to wastewater treatment facilities.

For more information, visit the Renew Growing Greener website.