Another recent spin-off innovation is known as Financial Resources for the Environment. DEP has uncovered strong interest in providing additional capital to spur further advances. About 40 states now have voluntary cleanup programs of their own, each tailored to the particular needs of that state. Brownfield redevelopment is becoming a common and natural aspect of real estate development in our Commonwealth and across the nation. Those who are considering stepping forward to cleanup and restore an area, will be far more certain of the costs and time that will be incurred if they can employ the clear requirements and regular procedures afforded by state programs, rather than contemplating the open-ended liability, endless process, and bureaucratic remedy selection typical of Superfund.
Finality is a key step in making brownfields redevelopment a success across the nation.
Our Department of Agriculture administers the farmland preservation projects, while state park renovations and improvements are overseen by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. What makes this environmental protection effort so important is the emphasis on enabling communities to address the needs that they identify in their own watersheds. The program gives local people responsibility for protecting and improving their watersheds. Eligible grantees include counties, local governments, authorities, conservation districts, watershed associations and other nonprofit groups involved in watershed restoration and protection. In addition to watershed assessments and implementation of watershed restoration plans, funds can be used for the organization of a watershed group and for demonstration, education and outreach projects.