Please note, in 2011 Congress issued a two year moratorium on "congressional directed spending (earmarks)." The information posted below refers to requests recieved for FY2011 and remains on the website for informational purposes only. If you are interested infinding federal funding opportunities for your entity, please refer to the section on "Grants."
Water Resources Development Act of 2010
The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is a comprehensive water resources law that is typically authorized every two years. Specifically, WRDA authorizes studies and projects within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mission areas, including navigation, flood damage reduction, hurricane and storm damage reduction, shoreline protection, and environmental restoration. Projects were not funded due to a moratorium on Earmarks.
Schuylkill River Development Corporation (SRDC) Project
Amount Requested: $7,000,000
Funding will be used to plan, design and construct the Schuylkill Crossing at Grays Ferry, incorporate Water Screens along the Schuylkill River and extend the Bartram’s Gardens Trail. The goal is to revitalize the Tidal or Lower Schuylkill River. This includes the extension of the trail to Bartram’s Garden, improved access to the river and events to attract users to the waterfront. A critical step to completing the trail is to provide a crossing in the vicinity of Grays Ferry Avenue, which will connect to Bartram’s Garden on the west side of the river. The natural river bank in this area has become home to a wide variety of wildlife. The crossing would provide an opportunity for the adjoining urban neighbors to visit the river for a respite from the surrounding asphalt and concrete environment. Other locations along the river trail now serve as an outdoor classroom for schools and this location would certainly qualify as another educational opportunity.
Manayunk Development Corporation Project
Amount Requested: $20,000,000
Funding will be used for the rehabilitation of the Schuylkill Navigation Canal and the restoration of the degraded ecosystem and flood damage reduction at Bartram’s Garden. The Manayunk Development Corporation has been working for years to ecologically restore the Historic Manayunk Canal. Funding would completely improve the environmental and stormwater infrastructure of the Manayunk district while renovating a historic waterway in the City of Philadelphia and would clean a choked residual industrial waste area while restoring a unique environmental wetlands zone and habitat to its former natural and sustainable condition
City of Philadelphia Water Department - Language Amendment
Amount Requested: $25,000,000
Amending Sec. 566 of PL 104-303 to include environmental assistance for outdoor recreation, green trails, and green stormwater management and infrastructure initiatives.
Project Description:
Given the heightened public awareness of how environmental conditions impact the quality of life locally, there is a growing expectation that municipalities will implement “green” projects that positively impact the local community. The proposed change to Section 566 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 will allow municipalities such as the City of Philadelphia to implement projects in which the principles of green sustainability, including green trails and streetscape development, and green stormwater management, will be incorporated into all aspects of design and engineering in green infrastructure development. By improving the water resources utilized by the City, a long-term plan may be formulated that provides for the greening and sustainable development of waterfronts and improving outdoor recreation spaces, ultimately enhancing local residents’ quality of life.
