Cumberland, Dauphin counties receive state funding to clean up rivers and streams in Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Rep. Nate Davidson    December 17, 2024 | 2:44 PM

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – State Rep. Elect Nate Davidson said he is pleased to report state and federal investments in keeping the Chesapeake Bay Watershed clean from its tributaries in Dauphin and Cumberland counties.

The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission for Dauphin, Perry, Juniata and Mifflin counties was awarded more than $2.1 million in funding directed by the Department of Environmental Protection.

In addition to the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, Cumberland County Commissioners were awarded $214,965.50.

“This investment gives our communities tools to be good stewards of our natural resources, protect the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, and preserve the health of our local and regional ecosystems,” said Davidson, D-Cumberland/Dauphin. “Preserving our environment for future generations is a noble effort, and I am proud that this investment is being directed to the Susquehanna Valley. 

The DEP awarded grants through the 2025 Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Grants to county teams across Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Pennsylvania has made historic progress in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Earlier this year, the Shapiro Administration announced that for the first time in history, the Chesapeake Bay showed steady overall improvement, earning a C+ grade from the University of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Report Card – the highest grade ever awarded to the overall health of the bay since the report was created.

The 2025 CAP Implementation Grants include $9.6 million from the state Environmental Stewardship Fund and $14.4 million in EPA funding, including $7.1 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to support counties’ implementation of the local priority initiatives in their CAPs.