Funds will help stop acid mine drainage from entering Neal Run in Young Township

Sen. Don White (R-41) and Rep. Dave Reed (R-62) today announced a $200,000 state grant will be awarded to a local environmental group to protect the water in Neal Run.

The grant will be provided to the Aultman Watershed Association for Restoring the Environment (AWARE).

AWARE will use the money for the abatement of five acid mine discharges from refuse piles, which are currently polluting Neal Run within the Aultman Run Watershed of Young Township.

“We understand the importance of clean steams and natural forest areas in Indiana County and we appreciate the state support for projects such as AWARE’s Neal Run clean-up effort,” White said. “Pennsylvania has spent millions of dollars to reclaim and clean-up mine sites in Indiana County. That’s a major investment in protecting the environment -- especially the waterways around those old mines. We have an obligation to protect the environment and cleanup our blighted areas and to ensure that future Indiana County residents can enjoy the same streams and forests.”

“The state is committed to protecting the integrity of Pennsylvania’s waterways,” Reed said.  “Each generation is judged based on the legacy they pass along to the next.  These funds will help ensure that the current generation of Indiana County residents will pass along a clean environment to those who come after us.  I applaud the important work that AWARE is doing and thank its members for their commitment to our community.”

The grant will be awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Rep. Dave Reed

62nd District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

(717) 705-7173

www.RepDaveReed.net

Contact: Dan Massing

House Republican Public Relations

 (717) 772-9845

www.pahousegop.com/