Rep. Hill-Evans announces $500,000 grant for Codorus Creek project

YORK, Dec. 30 – State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans on Wednesday announced a $500,000 Growing Greener grant has been approved for the Codorus Creek Beautification Initiative in the city of York.

The Environmental Stewardship and Watershed Protection Act, known as Growing Greener, was passed into law in December 1999. The primary purpose of the program is to restore impaired waters and protect waterways from nonpoint source pollution within Pennsylvania.

“During the last two decades, the Codorus Creek has improved dramatically,” Hill-Evans said. “This has been a welcome development for any lifelong resident of York who grew up seeing the discoloration and noticing the smell of a polluted waterway that locals used to refer to as the Inky Stinky. Although recent progress has been made to improve the Codorus, this grant will allow the continuation of this important work.”

The grant will provide the funds needed for the creek’s restoration project through the city of York, from North George Street (near PeoplesBank Park) to Grantley Road (near Dentsply Prosthetics). The project will remove a low-head dam, construct a low-flow channel and widen the bank to create a vegetated floodplain and slopes.  

“The Codorus Creek remains a valuable resource for our city and residents,” Hill-Evans said. “Many of us have witnessed its transformation, watching it become a destination – where people walk, run and bike along its banks on the Heritage Rail Trail – and we’re excited to see this valuable restoration project continue.”