Rendell details Growing Greener plans

September 30, 2008 05:25 am

— 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."