State Money Available to Combat Illegal Dumping

Grant program can provide up to $25,000 to clean up sites, enforce laws

Senator Don White (R-41) is encouraging local communities and non-profit organizations to apply for grants up to $25,000 to clean up illegal dump sites and prevent future dumping. The application deadline is January 27 for a share of the $500,000 Illegal Dump Cleanup Grant Program funding.

"I encourage local officials and non-profit environmental agencies to apply for this funding," Senator White said. "This money can be used for clean up of existing dumps and enforcement efforts to crack down on illegal dumpers."

The Illegal Dump Cleanup Grant program focuses on cleaning up illegal dumps, restoring sites, beautification projects, and surveillance efforts aimed at existing and remediated dump sites. Grants will also help to enforce littering and illegal dumping ordinances and will support public awareness and educational outreach programs to inform local citizens about illegal dumping, littering and clean-up activities.

The grants are available on a competitive basis to any existing local government or incorporated non-profit organization located in Pennsylvania. A 50 percent matching investment is required. Grant applications are available at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Illegal Dumping, or by calling DEP's Bureau of Waste Management at (717) 787-7381.

Contact:

Joe Pittman
(724) 357-0151, cell (724) 541-0552