Sen. Casey urges Senate committees to fund “vital” programs for south central Pennsylvania

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) recently urged Congress to maintain funding for the Chesapeake Bay program and the Assistance to Nuclear Closure Communities program in fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills.

Casey urged $85 million be appropriated to the Chesapeake Bay program, including $24 million for sediment and nutrient removal grants. The grants are used to clean waterways and stormwater systems.

“These grants can be used to clean waterways and help localities meet federal mandates as they restore the Chesapeake Bay,” Casey said. ”Aging and defunct stormwater systems have led to burdensome stormwater fees for many Pennsylvanians who would benefit greatly from some economic relief as they rebuild their communities after storms.”

Casey also urged Congress appropriate $17 million for public-work investments and economic initiatives for communities impacted by nuclear power plant closures.

Since 2013, seven nuclear plants have closed and eight announced they will close within the next decade. Closures include Beaver Valley Power Station in Beaver County and Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station in Dauphin County.

Casey argued his position in letters sent to the chairman and ranking member of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Subcommittee and the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittee.