TIOGA COUNTY, PA (WENY) -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced Tioga County is getting close to $70 million dollars to help clean up two old mining sites. With $100 million dedicated to 16 sites state wide, Tioga County is getting by far the most money at just over $68 million. 

“Reclaiming abandoned mine land is a crucial endeavor, restoring both the environment and communities in our Commonwealth,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley, adding “These grant recipients are taking on projects that pave the way for meaningful efforts that improve water quality, foster ecosystem recovery, and revitalize communities for a greater quality of life for Pennsylvanians.” 

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is getting $68,255,481 for the Morris Run Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Plant. The project will be designed to improve Tioga Reservoir and 20 miles of stream including the Tioga River, Morris Run, Coal Creek, and Fall Brook.

Along with that project, the Headwaters Charitable Trust will get $131,000 to design a passive treatment system to treat the AMD discharge to restore and protect Sawmill Creek and Johnson Creek. 

The money is part of the Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program. Projects are designed to prevent the loss of restored streams and create significant water quality improvement.