Hazle Township, PA, April 26 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture celebrated the 30th anniversary of Earth Day by announcing the investment of over $6.7 million for a wastewater project to serve Hazle Township in Luzerne County. Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) and Pennsylvania State Director for USDA Rural Development Cheryl L. Cook joined local residents in announcing a major sewer project at the Hazle Township Municipal Building today.

"The proper treatment of wastewater is an essential part of cleaning up our waterways, and this grant will make a real difference in cleaning up the Susquehanna River watershed. This grant reduces the financial burden on Hazle Township ratepayers, ensuring that their cost share will be reasonable for upgrading their system to improve our environment. I am pleased that our designation as an American Heritage River helped to bring this substantial grant to the people of Hazle Township," Congressman Kanjorski said.

Cook said, "I take great pride today in celebrating the ongoing actions Rural Development is taking to save and protect the Chesapeake Bay for our children and future generations. This new system will end years of municipal waste ending up in the Susquehanna River, which provides more than half of the fresh water entering the Bay."

Hazle Township is in the Susquehanna River basin that flows into the Chesapeake Bay, and this portion of the river is part of the Upper Susquehanna-Lackawanna Watershed, one of 14 American Heritage Rivers in the country. Communities within AHR areas are given priority for federal funding. This project, funded by USDA Rural Development, will improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and the designated Heritage River watershed.

Jim Pauline Jr., chairman of the township municipal authority, said, "We're very happy to have the money. It will make a big difference, and it will ensure an environmentally sound continuation in growth for Hazle Township. We appreciate Congressman Kanjorski's efforts in securing the Heritage River designation, which played an important role in securing this grant."

The Hazle Township Municipal Authority proposes to construct a sewage collection system in the villages in the northeast section of the township. The communities included are Oakdale, Middletown, Japan, Drifton, Ebervale, Forest Hills and Oakmont Acres. The project will serve about 1,500 people and treat about 150,000 gallons of wastewater per day. It includes the construction of about 70,000 linear feet of gravity sewers, 5,600 linear feet of force main and three pumping stations. Treatment will be performed by the Greater Hazleton Joint Sewer Authority using activated sludge process to meet secondary treatment. Jeddo Borough will connect to the proposed collection system.

Rural Development's total funding for this project will be $6,761,000 ($3,322,000 loan and $2,819,300 grant). Jeddo Borough is contributing $150,900 to reserve future conveyance capacity in addition to the $468,800 being provided by Hazle Township.

USDA Rural Development administers a water and wastewater financing program in rural areas, cities, and towns with populations less than 10,000. In addition, the agency offers other financing and technical assistance programs including essential community facilities such as fire trucks, medical centers and day care centers. Rural Development also offers several programs for individuals to purchase a home or make repairs to an existing home. For more information on the programs offered by Rural Development, contact the Pennsylvania State Office at (717) 237-2186 or visit their website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/pa.

On April 18, Alex Rogers discussed the American Heritage Rivers Initiative with members of the Pittston Area High School River Club and their faculty advisor, James Timlin. The River Club invited Mr. Rogers to visit the high school, to share information about the Club's fieldwork in testing water quality, and to explore new methods of cleaning the Susquehanna River and its tributaries, and developing the riverfront. Rogers commended the students for devoting their time after class to such an important project and encouraged them to take part in the American Heritage Rivers Initiative. The session included a lively question-and-answer session concerning a wide range of land and water reclamation projects in Northeastern Pennsylvania - and ideas to enhance the economic and environmental quality of life in the region. In particular, Rogers discussed one American Heritage Rivers Initiative called "Adopt-a-Watershed," in which students and local groups would conduct water monitoring and cleanup projects for sub watersheds within the Upper Susquehanna-Lackawanna Watershed. The River Club also invited Rogers to participate in the club's upcoming field trips.