Senator David G. Argall (R-29) and Representative Neal Goodman (D-123) today announced a grant for the City of Pottsville to improve water quality in the Schuylkill River.

"This is great news for the ongoing efforts to clean up much of the harm left behind from abandoned coal mines," said Senator Argall. "These funds solidify the state's commitment to improving our environment and safety of local residents.""It's important for the state to continue to make these critical investments, particularly here in Schuylkill County where we have worked so hard to reduce acid mine drainage," said Representative Goodman."The City of Pottsville is grateful for the efforts of Senator Argall and Representative Neal Goodman in procuring this grant. Besides improving the water quality of the Schuylkill, it will also diminish the extreme safety hazard that exists because of crop falls caused by deep mining, "said Pottsville Mayor John Reiley.The project will help assist in the continuing abandoned mine reclamation efforts, as well as eliminating acid mine drainage. The reclamation of the crop falls will prevent infiltration of surface water into the abandon mine, which will reduce acid mine drainage.The grant program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. DEP is investing in 73 watershed protection projects statewide to improve watersheds, stormwater runoff, acid mine drainage and educational programs, among other environmental efforts. The grant is for $467,748.