COSTA ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR LOCAL RECYCLING PROGRAMS

HARRISBURG, DEC. 27, 2007: Local municipalities will soon receive state funding toward recycling programs, according to state Sen. Jay Costa.

“These funds will enhance local recycling programs which will, in turn, improve our environment,” Costa said. “I’m pleased that the state is encouraging communities to make Pennsylvania a cleaner place to live and work.”

The following municipalities will receive funding:

· Swissvale Borough, Allegheny County will receive $86,000 to enhance the borough’s leaf waste collection program.

· City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County will receive nearly $500,000 to enhance downtown and small business recycling programs.

· Penn Hills, Allegheny County will receive $9,000 to enhance the existing curbside recycling program and expand the curbside leaf waste collection program to include branches.

The funding is part of $20 million in grants throughout the state through the Recycling Development and Implementation Grant Program, which reimburses local governments and solid waste authorities for the cost of municipal recycling and composting programs.

In 2005, Pennsylvanians recycled a record 4.9 million tons of municipal waste, saving consumers and industries nearly $263 million in disposal costs and providing businesses with materials valued at $577 million.
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