Newtown Gets $12K To Build Rain Gardens For Stormwater Runoff

NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA — Newtown Township recently was awarded funding from the state to help study, manage, and reduce stormwater runoff.

The township got $11,857 in Growing Greener funds to design and construct two rain gardens on Township-owned properties to treat stormwater runoff from existing impervious surfaces.

"Whether it’s a rain barrel, a garden designed by an engineer, or state of the art research, every effort makes a difference when it comes to stormwater," said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “There is no effort too small or ambition too high in addressing one of the biggest challenges facing our urban environments."

Funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Pennsylvania Resources Council, Inc., Newtown Township, and Villanova University will receive a collective total of $332,328 in grant funding to focus on innovative techniques and initiatives to address stormwater.

One of the largest investments into Pennsylvania’s environment, Growing Greener projects have been instrumental in cleaning up abandoned mine lands, preserving farmland, and protecting and restoring watersheds throughout the commonwealth.

The Growing Greener grant program is supported by the Environmental Stewardship Fund, which receives its funding from landfill tipping fees.

$157,575 was awarded to the Pennsylvania Resources Council, Inc. and $162,896 to Villanova.

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