The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has awarded more than $17 million in environmental grants statewide, including funding for a stream and floodplain improvement project in Berks County.
As part of the 2025 Growing Greener grant round, the Berks County Conservation District received $416,031 for a multi-project stream and floodplain enhancement effort along Cacoosing Creek, according to DEP. The project is intended to improve stream stability, reduce flooding impacts, and enhance habitat along the creek corridor.
Statewide, the Shapiro Administration is distributing $17,325,163 through 89 Growing Greener grants across 45 counties. The funding will support projects aimed at restoring streams, improving fish and wildlife habitat, reclaiming abandoned mine lands, and addressing long-standing water pollution issues.
“Growing Greener grants are one of the best investments that Pennsylvania makes into improving our environment,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These 89 projects will lead to cleaner water for us to drink and swim in, better habitat for fish and wildlife, and less pollution in our streams and rivers. It enables local governments, county conservation districts, and non-profit organizations to make Pennsylvania a better place to live and thrive.”
DEP said Growing Greener is the largest single investment of state funds in Pennsylvania’s history dedicated to environmental protection. In this funding round, 77 projects focus on stream restoration, watershed improvements, and legacy pollution from abandoned mine drainage.
Some of the funding is tied to a 2022 criminal settlement involving Energy Transfer Marketing & Terminals, L.P., which paid $10 million toward environmental restoration projects along pipeline routes. While those settlement funds were directed to projects in other counties, DEP noted they remain part of the broader Growing Greener investment strategy.
Grants are awarded to a range of entities, including conservation districts, municipalities, watershed groups, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Recipients have up to three years to complete their projects, with funding administered through existing DEP and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant programs.
Additional information about the Growing Greener Plus grant program and future application opportunities is available through DEP.
