Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey today announced that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved federal funding for several energy and water initiatives in Central Pennsylvania. The projects are contained in the Fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill.
“This federal funding is important for maintaining and building the infrastructures that are vital for Central Pennsylvania’s economies and ecosystem,” Senator Specter said. “I am pleased my colleagues have recognized the importance of these projects.”
“I am grateful that my colleagues approved funding for these important projects,” said Senator Casey. “This money will go a long way to help build and maintain infrastructure and cultivate new clean energy jobs in Central Pennsylvania.”
The bill must be approved by the full Senate, the House of Representatives and signed into law by the President before funding is final.
Pennsylvania projects in the bill include:
• $130,000 for watershed restoration at Pine Knot in Schuylkill County. This study will explore solutions for watershed restoration at the Delaware River Basin, including ecosystem restoration, and fish and wildlife habitat restoration.
• $500,000 for Ben Franklin Technology Partners in Harrisburg for an alternative and clean energy technology commercialization initiative. This project allows Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP) to help small enterprises develop and commercialize clean and alternative energy technologies. In 2008, the United States Department of Commerce selected BFTP for the Excellence in Economic Development Award for Technology-led Economic Development.
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