Dauphin County representatives laud grant funding to clean up rivers and streams in Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Rep. Justin Fleming December 11, 2024 | 2:50 PM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – State Reps. Dave Madsen and Justin Fleming said they are pleased to report a state and federal investment in keeping the Chesapeake Bay Watershed clean from its tributaries in Dauphin County.
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.
"This investment reflects a pledge to our natural environment, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding a vital ecosystem, strengthening our economy and establishing a lasting legacy of stewardship for our region of the watershed," said Madsen, D-Dauphin.
"This funding marks a pivotal step forward in restoring the waterways that feed into the Chesapeake Bay, ensuring cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and a brighter future for the communities and wildlife that depend on this vital resource," said Fleming, D-Dauphin.
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.