Santarsiero, Warren Announce $75K To Restore 'Old Skunky'

NEWTOWN, PA — State Senator Steve Santarsiero and State Representative Perry Warren announced on Friday that Newtown Borough was awarded $75,000 for restoration of a Newtown Creek tributary.

The project to stabilize the banks of “Old Skunky” will involve regrading 220 feet of bank and planting native trees, shrubs and grasses. The undertaking is projected to take two years.

“Restoring the banks of Old Skunky is critical to keeping the Newtown Creek vibrant and healthy, which is why I was eager to secure these funds for Newtown Borough” Santarsiero said. “The Newtown Creek restoration project, including the use of native plants, will provide environmental benefits to the area around the waterway.”

Act 13 of 2012 established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for watershed restoration and protection projects. Because of his connections to the region's nature, Warren believed this was a particularly important undertaking.

“I served on Newtown Borough Council for seven years. Maintaining water quality, sediment from Old Skunky and MS-4 funding and compliance are and were continual challenges,” he said. “Borough Council leaders pursued and Newtown Borough was awarded this Watershed Restoration Grant for Old Skunky Streambank Restoration. The project will enhance water quality, reduce erosion and save Newtown Borough residents money.”

Act 13 of 2012 established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for watershed restoration and protection projects.

More information about the Commonwealth Financing Authority Act 13 and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is available online.

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