Burns: Apply for variety of state grants by May 31

Counties, municipalities can seek Act 13 funding

EBENSBURG, Feb. 6 – Urging counties and municipalities to potentially avail themselves of gas well impact fee monies, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is announcing that the Commonwealth Financing Authority is accepting grant applications today through May 31.

 

Burns said numerous grants, sourced through the Marcellus Legacy Fund known as Act 13, will be awarded later this year for projects such as: abandoned mine drainage abatement; abandoned well plugging; sewage treatment; greenways, trails and recreation; baseline water quality data; watershed restoration; and flood control.

 

“As in years past, I wholeheartedly encourage anyone who is eligible to apply,” Burns said. “My office can help, either by providing information and guidance, or assistance in helping prepare and submit your grant application.”

 

Burns’ in-house grant writer/assistance is Brittany Blackham, who is available in his Portage office at (814) 736-7339.

 

The CFA grants can be applied for in these categories:

Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement and Treatment Program – Grants for abatement of AMD and/or treatment of AMD through treatment facility system construction. Grants may also be awarded for treatment system repair, upgrade or operation and maintenance of existing passive and active treatment systems.

Baseline Water Quality Data Program – Grants to fund statewide initiatives to establish baseline water quality data on private water supplies. 

Flood Mitigation Program – Grants to fund statewide initiatives to assist with flood mitigation projects. 

Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program – Grants for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. 

Orphan and Abandoned Well Plugging – Grants for funding orphan or abandoned well plugging projects. 

Sewage Facilities Program – Grants for statewide initiatives complying with the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act.

Watershed Restoration and Protection Program – Grants for watershed restoration and protection projects.

Complete guidelines for each of these programs, as well as application instructions, may be found at: http://dced.pa.gov/programs-funding/commonwealth-financing-authority-cfa/act-13-programs/#.WJDIrHkzW70