News Release
For Immediate Release
May 13, 2009
Contact:
Aaron Zappia
(215) 657-7700

Greenleaf Sponsors $200,000 Safe Water Grant for Storm Water Management in North Wales Borough 

New storm water systems in North Wales help mitigate pollution and control flooding 

At the May 12th North Wales Borough Township meeting, State Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf (R, Montgomery, Bucks) presented members of borough council with a $200,000 mock check for a Safe Water appropriations grant.  

The Senator sponsored the grant to fund a new storm water drainage system along 9th Street in North Wales between Church St. and East Prospect Ave. to comply with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations.  

Over the last several years, North Wales Borough has been in the process of installing storm water drainage systems in areas of the borough where they previously did not exist.   

In the past, the ongoing project had been funded through Pennsylvania Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), but additional funding is now necessary to move forward.   

The new systems keep water off area roadways, helping to control flooding.  As well, the new drainage systems prevent water from collecting surface pollutants which contaminate area streams and groundwater.   

In addition to improving storm water infrastructure, North Wales has been working to educate borough residents about responsible storm water management practices.  The borough’s Rain Barrel Workshops help the public to better understand what not to allow into drainage systems such as grass clippings and waste oil from vehicles.  The brochure, When it Rains It Drains provides information to residents on how to better protect water resources.   

"Safe Water Grants like these are vital to many communities across our Commonwealth," said Senator Greenleaf.  "New infrastructure comes at a great cost to local municipalities, so I am pleased that I was able to help secure this funding for North Wales Borough.  As well, I am committed to partnering with the municipalities in my district to ensure that storm water is well managed to help protect our valuable water resources."