Saturday, March 25, 2006
The program's funds are used to protect and maintain the environment.
MERCER, Pa -- Groups or organizations focused on conservation are invited to apply for grants from the $1.39 million Mercer County will receive in state Growing Greener II Environmental Initiative Program.
The funds come from a $625 million state bond issue passed by Pennsylvania voters in May 2005.
Letters explaining how to apply for the funds have been sent to all county municipalities as well as to organizations that Mercer County commissioners thought would be interested.
Commissioner Michele Brooks said there may be other interested entities that could qualify for the grants.
For questions, contact Brooks at (724) 662-3800 or by e-mail at brooks@mcc.co.mercer.pa.us.
The deadline to submit project requests is April 24. They should be sent to Norma Anderton, Chief Clerk, 103 Courthouse, Mercer, Pa. 16137. There may be other funding rounds, depending on the number of projects received. But no future opportunities can be guaranteed, commissioners said.
Purpose of funds
The Growing Greener II funds are intended for maintenance and protection of the environment, open space and farmland preservation, watershed protection, abandoned mine reclamation, acid mine drainage remediation, plugging of abandoned wells, community redevelopment and other environmental initiatives.
All projects must have a useful life of 20 years. Money can be used to construct buildings and facilities and other projects. It cannot be used for salaries, administrative costs, local share for other Growing Greener projects or short-term equipment and activities such as computers, cars, research, planning, education or technical assistance. Projects must comply with all state laws, regulations and procedures.