DCED Accepting Applications for Act 13 Grants
The state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is now accepting applications for Act 13 programs until May 31, 2021. There are several specific grant programs funded from impact fees from natural gas wells under Act 13 of 2012:
Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) Abatement & Treatment Program: Townships may apply for grants to reclaim abandoned mine wells, remediate and repair existing AMD project sites, and monitor water quality to track nonpoint source load reductions from AMD remediation projects.
Baseline Water Quality Data Program: Townships may apply for grants to establish baseline water quality data on private water supplies using the Baseline Water Quality Data program.
Flood Mitigation Program: Townships may apply for grants to perform flood mitigation projects.
Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program: Townships may apply for funding to plan, acquire, develop, rehabilitate, and repair greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks, and beautification projects.
Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging Program: Townships may apply for grants to clean out and plug abandoned and orphan oil and gas wells, stray gas mitigation systems, and well venting projects.
Sewage Facilities Program: Townships may apply for grants for costs associated with the planning work required under Act 537, the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act.
Watershed Restoration and Protection Program: Townships may apply for grants to construct, expand, repair, maintain, or rehabilitate new or existing watershed protection best management practices.