REILLY TOWNSHIP – Senator David G. Argall (R-29) and Representative Neal Goodman (D-123) today announced a $707,147 grant from Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection for Reilly Township’s Abandoned Mine Reclamation Project: Newtown South 2.
“After growing up next to an abandoned strip mine, I have witnessed the damages the coal industry has left behind in our region,” said Argall. “Even during these tough economic times, public safety remains a top priority, and I am pleased to see the Department of Environmental Protection assisting Reilly Township to clean up these eyesores and safety hazards for residents and visitors of Schuylkill County.”
“There are, unfortunately, unwanted remnants of the days when coal was king in Schuylkill County,” Goodman said. “I’m pleased the state is continuing to invest money on projects to heal environmental scars in our area.”
The grant will help provide for mobilization and demobilization, implementation of the erosion and sediment pollution control plan, grading of 264,610 cubic yards, drainage excavation of 10,400 cubic yards, rock lining of 2,570 square yards and seeding of 54 acres.
The project is expected to begin on May 31, 2011 and should be completed by May 5, 2012.
Contact: Jon Hopcraft
(717) 787-2637
(570) 773-0891