Pennsylvania project grants available

Harrisburg, PA— Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell said Pennsylvania is looking for innovative ways to turn solid waste problems into solutions and will reward local governments’ efforts.

The Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications from counties, municipalities and municipal authorities for the Pennsylvania Solid Waste-Resource Recovery Development Grant Program. The deadline for applications is June 5.

To receive funding under the Solid Waste-Resource Recovery Development Grant Program, projects must be capable of demonstrating, for a minimum of two years, the production of energy or the recovery of materials from solid waste, except sewage sludge. Eligible projects must recover at least 50 percent of the solid waste entering the system in the form of energy or materials.

Priority in funding under the Solid Waste-Resource Recovery Development Grant Program will be given to unique and innovative energy recovery projects, residential curbside collection programs for food waste recycling and demonstration projects involving more than one county or municipality that result in environmentally sound alternatives to landfilling.

All projects must be capable of being replicated in other areas of the commonwealth and should be capable of reaching full-scale production within 12 months of notice of a grant award.

Counties, municipalities and municipal authorities may sponsor cooperative projects with private-sector entities provided that the municipal applicant maintains a minimum five percent equity in the project for the term of the demonstration period.

For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword “Recycling.”