HARRISBURG -- Gov. Edward G. Rendell released a report Monday detailing how the state plans to spend the final year of investment from the Growing Greener II legislation.
During 2007-08, Pennsylvania committed $142 million to 397 projects that will preserve farmland, reclaim abandoned mines, protect watersheds and revitalize communities, among other projects throughout the state.
Since Rendell signed Growing Greener II into law in 2005, the state has invested $325 million in 851 projects statewide.
"Working with the General Assembly and with the overwhelming support of voters, we enacted a $625 million initiative in 2005 that is still working to clean up our environment, preserve open spaces and revive communities," he said. "These projects are eliminating public health threats, spurring economic growth and contributing to a better quality of life for countless Pennsylvanians."
Nearly 500 acres of abandoned mines were reclaimed, while more than 11,000 acres of farmland and nearly 17,500 acres of parks and forestry were preserved. In addition, nearly 60 oil wells were plugged during the third year of the initiative.
Among the many park and forest improvement projects funded this year are major upgrades to Chapman, Pine Grove Furnace, Hickory Run, Ricketts Glen and Tobyhanna state parks, including new comfort stations; campground wash, beach and shower houses; and food concessions.
The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources also has put Growing Greener II dollars to work to make the Pennsylvania Wilds area a more inviting destination by constructing new park shower and comfort facilities, repairing the Sinnemahoning Dam spillway and constructing a new bridge over the Lyman Run Dam spillway.
Rendell said Pennsylvania also targeted its resources to projects that reduced energy costs and encouraged energy conservation.
"With energy prices climbing and our dependence on foreign oil increasing -- putting America's economy and national security at risk -- it's more important than ever that we support projects that conserve energy and promote the development of homegrown fuel sources," he said. "We helped Ellwood City Borough in Beaver and Lawrence counties last year to replace 135 traffic lights with energy-efficient LED lights that will save the municipality and taxpayers more than $14,000 a year."
News
Rendell details Growing Greener plans
State has invested $325M in 851 projects
- News
-
-
Lewisburg schools face cuts in personnel, programs
Superintendent Mark DiRocco told the Lewisburg school board Thursday night that a proposed block grant system of school budget funding will run the district short of cash that will have to be made up through personnel and program cuts.
-
Mom: Keller's response left her cold
Like many people, Elise Nicol is concerned about Marcellus Shale and the industry's effects on Pennsylvania's environment. The Lewisburg mother of two cares about it enough that she sent an email to state Rep. Fred Keller, R-85 of Kreamer, asking him to oppose House Bill 1950, which passed the General Assembly on Wednesday.
-
Point Township authority concerned by sewer plant violations
Point Township Sewer Authority members Thursday night expressed concerns about a Feb. 3 letter sent to the Northumberland Sewer Authority by the state's Department of Environmental Protection saying that the borough authority has violated the Clean Streams Act.
-
Persing truck fee idea stalls
While Pennsylvania has passed legislation allowing communities to collect impact fees in 35 counties, Northumberland County is not one of them, and business leaders and lawmakers do not think Sunbury Mayor David Persing's plan to try to do his own version of an impact fee will pass muster.
-
Barber draws a crowd
The talk can be spirited at times, ranging from hunting to sports to home repairs. "You hear all kinds of stories," Gene Koehler, of Riverside, said Thursday as he waited for a haircut at The Masters barbershop, 209 Mill St.
-
State board approves table games at Valley Forge casino
VALLEY FORGE — A casino resort scheduled to open this spring in the Philadelphia suburb of Valley Forge has been approved for table games.
-
Doctors telling more adults: Get out and exercise
ATLANTA — A new study shows more and more U.S. adults are being told by their doctor to get off their duffs and exercise. A government survey found nearly 33 percent of adults who saw a doctor in the previous year said they were told to exercise. That was up from about 23 percent in 2000.
-
Former Northumberland County judge and three others die in Florida crash
EVERGLADES CITY, Fla. -- A former Northumberland County judge was one of four people killed Wednesday afternoon when their car collided with a van at an intersection, according to the Naples News. The victims were identified as James J. Rosini, 66, William J. Rosini, 68, Patricia C. Rosini, 65, all of Coal Township, Pa., and Deborah A. Korbich, 59, of Elysburg, Pa.
-
Warden demotes four bosses
SUNBURY -- Northumberland County Prison Warden Roy Johnson was able to trim about $135,000 in expenses by demoting four supervisors. He said Wednesday that he found a way to cut costs without laying off any staff. "I cut out 120 hours of supervisors' pay each week, but I need to fill the correction officer positions," Johnson said.
-
DJ pumps up audience
Every Tuesday evening, Richard Grogg can be found spinning tunes at possibly the most well-attended dance in Snyder County. A resident at the Selinsgrove Center since 1988, the 57-year-old said the thing he likes most about selecting and playing music is "making people happy." "Some people come up and ask for requests," he said.
-
Agency closes adult center
PENNS CREEK -- Union and Snyder County caregivers have had to look farther and wider for another program that can offer respite because the Agency on Aging can no longer afford to provide the service. The adult daily living center at the Penns Creek Adult Resource Center was a helpful program each week to about eight adults from the area dealing with Alzheimer's and dementia. But it closed Dec. 30.
-
New Berlin pushes to acquire school
NEW BERLIN -- The Borough Council sold the property where the New Berlin Elementary School is to the precursor of the Mifflinburg Area School District for $1 back in 1950. It was deeded to the district for construction of a school.
- More News Headlines
-
Lewisburg schools face cuts in personnel, programs
