Committed to Schuylkill River watershed program

Dear Editor:

The Schuylkill River Restoration Fund grant program, founded by Exelon Nuclear, is now entering its fifth year of funding. Since its inception in 2005, Exelon Corp. has donated over $700,000 to conservation and water quality improvement projects throughout the Schuylkill River watershed. The Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area administers this grant program with technical guidance from the Schuylkill Action Network.

During the first four years, this unique partnership with Exelon Nuclear, has seen 11 grants awarded to local partners and conservation organizations who have successfully implemented projects dealing with stormwater management and mitigation of acid mine drainage and agricultural runoff.

This fund has spawned new partnerships and continues to communicate the value of preserving our region's natural resources. Last year, a memorandum of understanding was signed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Philadelphia Water Department, the Delaware River Basin Commission and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. Each is committed to pooling resources and efforts to ensure that more needed projects are completed.

Exelon Nuclear's commitment to this program and to the Schuylkill River has helped lead to several successful projects that will continue to enhance water quality and quantity in the Schuylkill River Watershed.

The Schuylkill River Heritage Area Board of Directors and Staff would like to thank these organizations and Exelon Nuclear for making this commitment for better water quality in the Schuylkill River watershed, and we invite others to join us in this exciting endeavor.

Kurt D. Zwikl

Executive Director

Schuylkill River National & StateHeritage Area