Pennsylvania State Budget Includes Historic Investments in Clean Water

(HARRISBURG, PA)—Today, Pennsylvania's General Assembly passed a new state budget that includes historic funding for the program formerly called Growing Greener, as well as the new Clean Streams Fund program. Collectively, these two programs will invest $696 million from the American Rescue Plan to protect and restore Pennsylvania's waterways.

The former Growing Greener program (SB 525 and HB 2020)—now called the State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Program—will reinvigorate a popular, bipartisan conservation program that was established in 1999 under Governor Tom Ridge, approved in public referenda in 2005, and continues to receive overwhelming public support today. This program benefits Pennsylvanians through flood protections and stream improvements, abandoned mine cleanups, farmland preservation, and park and recreation opportunities. These funds benefit all communities across the Commonwealth, not only through the environmental benefits but also through supporting small businesses and jobs, increasing tax revenues, and improving the well-being of people and communities.

The Clean Streams Fund (SB 832 and HB 1901) will create Pennsylvania's first program dedicated solely to water protection and improvements. This dedicated fund is sorely needed considering that more than one-third of Pennsylvania's 86,000 miles of streams are so polluted that they are considered "impaired." The Clean Streams Fund will boost existing programs and establish new programs. These new programs include the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program, which will help Pennsylvania farmers implement more conservation practices on their land, and the Municipal Stormwater Assistance Program, which will provide funding to municipalities to plan and implement practices that reduce stormwater runoff and improve local streams.

Inclusion of this funding in the state budget was made possible by the strong bipartisan support for clean water in the state legislature. The Choose Clean Water Coalition, Coalition for the Delaware Watershed, and PennFuture thank them for their steadfast dedication and support for clean water. Specifically, we want to thank the prime sponsors of both the State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Program and the Clean Streams Fund–Senator Gene Yaw, Senator John Gordner, Representative Johnathan Hershey, and Representative Lynda Culver. We also want to thank Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary Cindy Dunn of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for their support.

Choose Clean Water Coalition Director Kristin Reilly said:

"The inclusion of the State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Program and the Clean Streams Fund in the state budget is a historic investment in Pennsylvania's rivers and streams. Clean water, particularly in a water-rich state like Pennsylvania, provides countless benefits. The Keystone State's waterways play a vital role in the Commonwealth's economy, public health, and way of life. But the promise of clean water doesn't exist for everyone and the preservation of these natural resources isn't guaranteed.

"We are thrilled that the state legislature recognized the need to invest in clean water with strong bipartisan support. With scores of natural infrastructure projects shovel-ready, this nearly $700 million will make an immediate impact not just on Pennsylvania's rivers and streams but on local businesses. We are particularly excited about the creation of the state's first agricultural cost-share program through the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program in the Clean Streams Fund. With farming a vital part of Pennsylvania's heritage and economy, investing in this agricultural cost-share program will support the Keystone State's hard-working farmers with many positive ripple effects.

"As this budget heads to Governor Wolf's desk, the Choose Clean Water Coalition and its more than 270 member organizations look forward to capitalizing on this transformative investment, working to ensure every dollar brings us one step closer to leaving a legacy of clean water to future generations."

Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed Director Kelly Knutson said:

"Funding for the State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Program and the Clean Streams Fund will benefit communities throughout the watershed and Commonwealth by lifting up community projects that improve local and downstream water quality. CDRW has been proud to work with our legislative partners to ensure these crucial resources are protected. With 5.6 million Pennsylvanians relying on the well-being of the Delaware River Watershed, we are proud to highlight this decision by the legislature to protect the Commonwealth's watersheds and, in turn, to support the communities within them."

PennFuture President and CEO Jacquelyn Bonomo said:

"The inclusion of nearly $700 million in the new state budget to reinvigorate the program formerly called Growing Greener, as well as the Clean Streams Fund, represents truly monumental victories for Pennsylvania's land, air, water and natural resources. The importance of this funding cannot be overstated: it will have a generational impact on our parks and green spaces, on our trails and waterways, and in communities across the Commonwealth.

"The rejuvenation of the program formerly called Growing Greener is the culmination of many years of hard work from PennFuture and other advocacy organizations that have fought continuously for this funding, and we are thrilled that our collective efforts have finally come to fruition. This victory is about people: the millions of Pennsylvanians who cherish clean air, clean water, and open spaces that offer the opportunity to reflect on the natural beauty of our Commonwealth. PennFuture thanks each elected official who helped get this funding across the finish line, and we look forward to engaging with the State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Program and the Clean Streams Fund for many years to come."

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The Choose Clean Water Coalition is an organization that harnesses the collective power of more than 270 local, state, regional, and national groups to advocate for clean rivers and streams in all communities in the Chesapeake region.

The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed protects and restores the land and waters in the Delaware River Basin. We amplify the collective power of 175+ member organizations and other stakeholders as we advocate for a healthy and protected watershed with an inclusive, unified voice. The Coalition convenes member and non-member organizations, builds capacity, coordinates communications, and advances policy at the federal and state levels.

PennFuture is the independent, nonpartisan voice leading the transition to a clean energy economy in Pennsylvania and beyond. We are protecting our air, water and land, and empowering citizens to build sustainable communities for future generations.

Media Contacts:

Drew Robinson
Choose Clean Water Coalition
443-927-8049
RobinsonAQ@nwf.org

Meagan Schaefer
Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed
609-330-4883
meagan.schaefer@njaudubon.org

Jared Stonesifer
PennFuture
412-443-4466
stonesifer@pennfuture.org