Clean water funding announced for PA

American Rivers has announced a three-year, $1 million grant from the Pittsburgh-based Richard King Mellon Foundation to help protect and restore rivers and clean water in Pennsylvania and Georgia.

The organization will use $600,000 to identify unnecessary dams and restore rivers and streams in the Laurel Highlands, French Creek watershed in northwestern Pennsylvania and western and central-northern counties collectively known as the "Pennsylvania Wilds," the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. In Georgia, the remaining $400,000 will be used to restore natural water flows in the Flint River watershed and lead a long-term river protection strategy to benefit local communities.

While the organization will partner with other conservation groups for the river restoration work, it will seek additional foundation support for dam removal, which will likely cost several million dollars. Partners in Pennsylvania include the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, the French Creek Valley Conservancy, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Initiative, and local watershed groups and county conservation districts.

"Rivers are the arteries and veins of our nation," said Bob Irvin, president of American Rivers. "By protecting and restoring rivers, we are safeguarding clean drinking water, creating jobs and recreation opportunities that benefit our economy, and revitalizing our natural heritage for future generations."

“American Rivers Receives $1 Million to Restore Rivers and Clean Water in PA and GA.” American Rivers Press Release 8/03/11.

Hopey, Don. “American Rivers Gets $1 Million to Improve Waterways.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 8/04/11.