PA Gets 'Historic' $240M To Fight Storms Worsened By Climate Change

HARRISBURG, PA — In the wake of a series of unusual and devastating weather phenomena, Pennsylvania has received $240 million in federal funding to improve resilience to storms worsened by climate change.

Calling the investment from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "historic," Gov. Tom Wolf said it was an important public safety measure that would also expand access to clean water, fight pollution, and improve wastewater treatment.

“This is a historic investment in public health, the environment, and storm and disaster preparedness," the governor said in a statement. "With this money, Pennsylvania can help guarantee the safety of our drinking water, improve wastewater treatment, and help our stormwater system cope with the increased damage from storms worsened by climate change."

The EPA funding was authorized through President Joe Biden's Infrastructure Law, which passed with bipartisan support.

The funding will be implemented by Pennvest, the state's infrastructure investment authority. It's on top of $269 million which the state invested directly in counties for water infrastructure in late June, and the $67 million the state was already awarded at the federal level for its Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds.

Numerous tornadoes, extreme floods, and droughts have pushed the state's resources to its limits in the past few years. Perhaps none was more notable than Hurricane Ida, which incurred at least $117 million in damages. It brought all-time record flooding to the Schuylkill River and the Perkiomen Creek. Thousands were forced to evacuate from their homes or saw their property damaged. Businesses that never had to worry about flooding suddenly saw their livelihood several feet under muddy waters. Multiple tornadoes touched down, ripping off roofs and sending debris scattering. Four were killed.

Threats to water security have continued into the summer of 2022, with 36 Pennsylvania counties still under a drought watch. Water conservation measures were recommended around the state, wiht residents urged to voluntarily reduce their water usage by 5 to 10 percent.