West Virginia American Water announced today five recipients to receive funding as part of its annual Environmental Grant Program. The program supports innovative and community-based environmental projects that improve, restore, or protect the watersheds, surface water, and groundwater supplies across the state.
“Since establishing this program we’ve awarded 65 grants totaling over $158,000 to communities and organizations across the state that promote environmental stewardship,” said Robert Burton, president of West Virginia American Water. “Each year we look forward to this program because our communities consistently showcase how much value they add in helping us sustain a healthy environment and clean drinking water sources in West Virginia.”
West Virginia American Water’s community investment committee reviewed a host of applications for environmental programs and initiatives and selected five organizations to receive $16,340 in funding for their water conservation, source water protection and watershed improvement efforts. Awardees include:
- Delta Waterfowl West Virginia Chapter ($2,500) to build and install duck boxes, build and install mallard nests, spray for invasive plant species and plant vegetation that support waterfowl, and pickup and remove trash from riverbanks
- Elk River Trail Foundation ($2,340) to support the “Clean Places” project, which will decrease the amount of litter in and along the Elk River through engaging community members and businesses to be part of cleanup, educating the community on the harmful effects of litter on roadways and waterways, and providing cleanup toolkits
- Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council ($2,500) to support the “Tree Promise” project that will launch a bold tree planting and conservation initiative to help improve, restore and protect local watersheds, surface water and groundwater supplies
- Stonewall State Park Foundation ($2,500) to support improvements and upgrades along the wetlands trail including the purchase of signage along the trail, educational signage and materials concerning the wetlands and history of the area, and benches for recreational areas
- West Virginia Military Authority ($6,500) to develop a cattle management program that will eliminate soil erosion, compaction, sediment and nutrient buildup and support the construction of a gravel lane that will limit animal access to the watering areas through exclusion fencing
“Through this annual grant program, we’ve developed so many wonderful relationships with community-based organizations and environmental groups across the state, which aid in further strengthening our nationally recognized source water protection program,” said Erica Pauken, source water protection program manager for West Virginia American Water. “As the largest water provider in West Virginia, protecting our drinking water sources and keeping the environment healthy is vital as we work together to build a strong, sustainable future for the next generation.”
