Georgia awarded water quality funding

In an effort to improve water quality and create jobs in the region, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted the Georgia Department of Natural Resources $669,600 (£411,500) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Water Quality Management Planning (WQMP) grants are currently being awarded across the country to the total sum of $39 million, in order to maintain and generate jobs to help prevent water pollution and look after human health and the environment.

The EPA has also invested in the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency this month, which received $727,600 for similar purposes.

Stan Meiburg, EPA acting regional administrator in Atlanta, said that the funding will enable Georgia to pursue additional water quality planning activities that will lead to increased economic activity and new water quality protection efforts in the state.

"This funding will benefit Georgia residents by promoting improved water quality while strengthening the economy through the creation of green jobs," he said.

Written by Joseph Hutton