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Pennsylvania Awarded $151,702 EPA Beach Grant for Water Monitoring and Citizen Notification

Release Date: 9/20/2002
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA - Beaches in Lake Erie, Pa., will benefit from an Environmental Protection Agency grant for $151,702.

Pennsylvania’s grant funds will be used to enhance existing beach monitoring systems for bacteria and water quality. A portion of the funds will go to Erie County for beach monitoring and public notification.

“Beaches, which provide recreation and enjoyment to millions of people each year, are an integral part of EPA’s programs. EPA is proud of our partnerships that help protect Lake Erie beaches," said Donald S. Welsh, mid-Atlantic regional administrator.

Pennsylvania’s grant is from funds through the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act of 2000. To date, $10 million has been awarded nationwide to help 35 states and territories improve their water testing and notify the public of health risks during this summer season.

Beach grants are awarded to eligible states, tribes and territories to develop and implement beach water quality monitoring programs. They are based on the length of the beach season, the miles of beaches and the number of people using them. BEACH grant funds are designed to ensure that the public receives better protection when enjoying various beaches across the country.

EPA estimates that Americans went to the beach 910 million times each year, spending about $44 billion. For more information, check out the beach grants website at https://www.epa.gov/waterscience/beaches/grants/.