PA Environment Digest Blog

On November 2, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission is now accepting applications for its 2027 Consumptive Use Mitigation Grant Program, with approximately $4 million to $6 million available for projects that improve water availability during dry weather and drought.

The deadline to apply is January 29.

The competitive grant program supports projects that offset the impacts of consumptive use-- water that is used but not returned to the river basin.

Since its launch in 2022, the program has supported nearly 100 projects, from water conservation and storage improvements to stream restoration and groundwater recharge.

This year's grant round places particular emphasis on projects that strengthen the basin's ability to withstand dry conditions and drought, including those that:

-- Recharge groundwater by helping stormwater soak into the ground, replenishing underground water supplies and sustaining streamflows during dry periods.

-- Increase water reuse to reduce overall water consumption and preserve available supplies.

-- Protect critical recharge areas by preserving lands where water naturally infiltrates the ground and replenishes aquifers.

-- Expand water storage to provide additional water supplies when streamflows decline.

“Drought resilience is something we build before the next dry spell,” said SRBC Executive Director Andrew Dehoff. “By supporting projects that conserve, recharge, and store water, we're helping communities make the most of this essential resource while protecting the streams and aquatic life that depend on it.”

An advantage of the program is that its grant dollars come from neither federal nor state funding sources.

This creates valuable opportunities to leverage SRBC grant awards as matching funds for other programs.

Eligible applicants include SRBC-approved project sponsors, government entities, tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education. Individual awards of $100,000 or more are anticipated, with a minimum 20% cash match required.

While projects in watersheds facing high consumptive use or limited water availability are prioritized, proposals from other areas of the basin will also be considered.

Webinar Nov. 17

To help prospective applicants, SRBC will host an informational webinar on November 17 at 11:00 a.m.

The webinar will provide an overview of the grant program, eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and application process, along with an opportunity to ask questions.

Click Here to register by November 16.

For complete program guidelines, application materials, and information on previously funded projects, visit SRBC's Consumptive Use Mitigation Grant Program webpage.

Click Here for the SRBC announcement.

For more information on programs, training opportunities and upcoming events, visit the Susquehanna River Basin Commission website. Click Here to sign up for SRBC’s newsletter. Follow SRBC on Twitter, visit them on YouTube.

[Posted: November 2, 2026] PA Environment Digest

“The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”

-- Article I, Section 27 Pennsylvania Constitution [It’s Not A Suggestion]

House Voting Schedule

November 9, 10

-- Committee Schedule

Senate Voting Schedule

November 17, 18

-- Committee Schedule

TODAY’s Calendar Of Events

November 3-- In-Person. Penn State Extension Volunteer Riparian Buffer Plantings. Elizabethtown, Lancaster County. 9:00 a.m.

November 4-- Agenda Posted. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30 a.m. [Draft Revisions To Chapter 105 on the agenda.] Read more here.

November 4-- In-Person. DEP Sets Hearing [If Requested] On Reissuance Of Title V Air Quality Permit For The NLMK Pennsylvania, LLC Farrel Steel Plant In Mercer County

November 5-- CANCELED. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15 a.m.

November 5-- Virtual. DCNR Grant Applicant Workshop Webinar.

November 6-- In-Person. PA Environmental Council: Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Gathering In Somerset County

November 7-- In-Person. PA Forestry Association Annual Forest Symposium In State College

November 10-- Joint DEP Citizens Advisory Council + DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 12:30 a.m.

November 10-- In-Person. DEP meeting/hearing on renewal of NPDES Water Quality Mining Activities for the LCT Energy Rustic Ridge #1 underground coal mine in Donegal Township, Westmoreland County and Saltlick Township, Fayette County. St. Raymond of the Mountains Parish, 170 School House Lane, Donegal. 6:00 p.m.

November 10-- Virtual. Environmental Health Project, Food & Water Watch, Partners Host Webinar On Shale Gas Fracking, Data Centers And Your Health. 7:00 p.m.

-- November 2-- Weekly PA Environment Digest Is Now Available [PaEN]

-- Pennsylvania Weekly Oil & Gas Compliance Snapshot - October 24 to 30 [PaEN]

-- DEP: Fracking Fluid Hose Rupture Contaminates Range Resources Appalachia Shale Gas Pad, And Down The Well Pad Slope In Washington County [PaEN]

-- DEP: Release From Diversified Production LLC Conventional Contaminated Water Pipeline Pollutes Field In Indiana County [PaEN]