DEP Announces Award Of Coastal Zone Grants For Delaware Estuary, Lake Erie

On December 21, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the award of Coastal Zone Grants for the Delaware Estuary and Lake Erie coastal areas.

Lake Erie

DEP awarded seven projects grants totaling more than $280,077. The grants, which are aimed at protecting and restoring the Lake Erie Coastal Zone, will be used toward projects that will benefit this critical habitat and ecosystem.   

“The Lake Erie Coastal Zone is a phenomenal resource to curb environmental threats such as pollution and climate change," said Acting DEP Secretary Ramez Ziadeh. “Each year, Coastal Zone projects help our efforts to ensure the sustainability of these habitats.”

The 77-mile Lake Erie coastal zone is in Erie County and includes the Lake Erie shoreline and several major tributaries. The coastal zone also extends to the middle of the lake, to the international boundary with Canada, and inland an average of 1.4 miles. 

“It’s exciting to see this grant money being put to good use in the Lake Erie Coastal Zone,” said DEP Northwest Regional Director, Erin Wells. “The DEP is committed to supporting these partners with grant funding and technical assistance as they restore and protect our natural resources.” 

Click Here for a list of approved projects.

Delaware Estuary

DEP awarded 12 projects grants totaling $536,382, aimed at protecting and restoring the Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone.

“The Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone is a phenomenal resource to curb environmental threats such as pollution and climate change," said Acting DEP Secretary Ramez Ziadeh. “Each year, Coastal Zone projects help our efforts to ensure the sustainability of these habitats.” 

The 112-mile Delaware Estuary coastal zone is located in Bucks, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties and encompasses islands, marshes, and other areas in the Delaware Estuary watershed. It is the largest freshwater port in the world. 

“It’s exciting to see this grant money being put to good use in the Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone,” said DEP Southeast Regional Director Pat Patterson. “Local organizations that develop strategies and carry out projects to restore and protect our natural resources are of the utmost importance and the DEP is committed to supporting these partners with grant funding and technical assistance." 

Click Here for a list of projects funded.

To learn more about this program, visit DEP's Coastal Zone Resources webpage.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website, Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter, sign up for DEP Connects events, sign up for DEP’s eNotice, visit DEP’s Blog,  Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

[Posted: December 21, 2022]  PA Environment Digest