Legislators Announce State Funding for Armstrong Township Conservation Project

HARRISBURG – Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) and Representative Jeff Wheeland (R-83) today announced a $600,000 grant through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure and Investment Authority (PENNVEST) that will assist Armstrong Township, Lycoming County, to move forward with the Sylvan Dell Conservation Project.

The project consists of a conservation easement that will preserve and enhance 49 acres of high quality wetlands and the surrounding 176 acres of upland floodplain habitats.  Approximately 150 acres of cultivated fields will be retired from farming.  The project will reduce future sediment, phosphorus and nitrogen deposits into the watershed, including the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.  It’s estimated the annual reduction of nitrogen will be over 4,000 pounds.

“Nutrient and sediment runoff continues to be a significant environmental threat to our local watersheds,” Sen. Yaw said. “I’m pleased PENNVEST is providing financial support to Armstrong Township, so it can properly address these hazards and improve overall water quality for area residents and our aquatic life.”

“This is a great help for Armstrong Township as projects like these make our quality of life better,” said Rep. Wheeland. “I am grateful for the hard work that will be coming and to all who worked on securing this funding.”

The total cost for the project is $1,432,000.00.

With a $325,000 commitment from the Lycoming County Commissioners and a pending $507,000 grant request to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the project is slated to begin on March 1, 2019 and be completed by the end of October.

The Sylvan Dell Conservation Project is listed in the Greater Williamsport Alliance Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan as a priority project to improve water quality. 

 

CONTACT:
Rita Zielonis (Sen. Yaw) (717) 787-3280
Raymond Smith (Rep. Wheeland) (717) 705-1834

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