HARRISBURG, PA — State Rep. Christina Sappey and State Sen. John Kane, both Democrats from Chester County, have announced that more than $200,000 in state grants have been awarded to the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance (BRC). These funds are set to aid stream restoration and watershed restoration projects in Chester County, marking a critical step in improving water quality and reducing flood risks.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority has granted $117,775 to the BRC for stream restoration at the East Branch Red Clay Creek headwaters. The project aims to enhance water quality through a comprehensive approach that includes stream restoration along 1,850 feet of the creek, floodplain connection, and expanded riparian buffer. This initiative follows on the heels of agricultural best management practices implemented upstream to reduce nutrient and sediment flow into this headwater stream.
Additionally, the state’s Growing Greener funds have contributed $91,700 towards Pocopson Township’s Pocopson Creek Watershed Restoration Plan. This comprehensive assessment and planning endeavor will identify known impairments in the Pocopson Creek Watershed study area and prioritize areas for restoration after evaluating water quality, riparian buffer habitat, and land use data. The plan will also serve as a roadmap for future restoration efforts, outlining priority areas for improvements in riparian buffer habitats, stream restoration, floodplain reconnection, and other beneficial management practices.
Both Sappey and Kane praised the BRC’s work and the importance of these initiatives. “They are an outstanding organization with the experience and skill to plan and implement important projects like these that ultimately benefit all residents in the district,” said Sappey.
Echoing these sentiments, Kane stated, “This project serves as a model for environmental conservation and showcases BRC’s dedication to significantly reducing contamination and pollution in our county. I take pride in supporting this mission to rejuvenate our watershed and preserve our ecosystem for future generations.”
These awards, granted by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Watershed Restoration Protection Program and the Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener funds, aim to improve public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails, and river conservation efforts.
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