County to get water-improvement funds

The Chester County Conservation District is one of the beneficiaries of a $98 million investment in 23 water-improvement projects across the state by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, a news release from Gov. Corbett said today.

"The water improvement projects awarded funding by the PENNVEST Board today further our goals of environmental improvement and economic revitalization," Corbett said in the release. "These projects are vital to the future health and wellbeing of citizens all across Pennsylvania and will serve as a lasting legacy to our children and grandchildren."

The Chester County Conservation District received a $1,274,595 grant to undertake 10 separate projects at various sites in the county, the release said.  These projects primarily involve the implementation of agricultural best-management practices designed to reduce nutrient runoff into local streams and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.

 The funding approved today comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, federal grants to PENNVEST from the Environmental Protection Agency and recycled loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards, the release said. Of the $98 million total, $71 million is for low-interest loans and $27 million is offered as grants. Funds for the projects are disbursed after bills for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PENNVEST. For more information, visit www.pennvest.state.pa.us or call 717-783-6798.