Senator Joe Pittman, along with State Representatives Brian Smith and Jim Struzzi, announced that more than $2.1 million in Growing Greener Grant Awards have been allocated to Armstrong and Indiana Counties.
Pittman highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “The Growing Greener program plays a significant role in supporting water and environmental initiatives. I’m very pleased these local projects are receiving funding to help strengthen our region.”
Struzzi commented on the impact for his district: “Indiana County is a beautiful place to live and work. Investing in our local waterways enhances and strengthens our entire region now and into the future.”
Smith emphasized the long-term benefits of the funding: “We are blessed to live in a beautiful part of the Commonwealth. These projects, and this funding that’s making them possible, are going to help keep it beautiful for generations to come.”
The grant awards include several projects:
– The Armstrong County Conservation District will receive $171,670 for streambank stabilization and fish habitat improvements along Buffalo Creek Scenic Drive in South Buffalo Township.
– Another $34,518 is designated for stormwater management demonstration and implementation in Rayburn Township through Kiski and Cowanshannock Stormwater BMP Project.
– The Rayburn Township Joint Municipal Authority has been awarded $399,964 for stabilizing Cowanshannock Creek’s streambanks.
– In Indiana County, various townships will benefit from riparian buffer projects ($25,393), heavy use area improvements ($302,313), creek restoration efforts ($100,715), streambank stabilization ($247,901), manure storage implementations ($334,056; $499,055).
Growing Greener grants support environmental improvement efforts across Pennsylvania. These funds aim to provide cleaner water sources for residents as well as improved habitats for wildlife by reducing pollution in streams and rivers. The program allows local governments, conservation districts, and non-profits to address key environmental concerns statewide.
For 2025’s grant cycle, 77 projects were chosen throughout Pennsylvania with goals including restoring streams affected by abandoned mine drainage.
