2 Prince William County orgs get grants from Virginia American Water

Virginia American Water today announced that three water resources protection projects have earned financial support through the company’s 2015 Environmental Grant Program, two of which are based in Prince William County. The recipients who will receive a share of grant funds totaling $4,500 for their projects are:

Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR), is receiving $1,500 for its River Fest Stewardship Program. This program will engage and inform families about surface and ground water protection through hands-on activities, making the science and solutions relevant to their lives.

Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO) will receive $1,500 for a series of workshops on rain barrels and community gardens in Prince William County at Brentsville High School and senior centers. FOTO will use the funds to purchase the rain barrels and conduct the workshops to educate community members on the beneficial use of rain barrels for watering gardens.

The Prince William Conservation Alliance in Woodbridge will receive $1,500 for the Minnieville Road Buffer Restoration Project. This project is intended to help prevent erosion and the flow of storm water in a problem area of Dale City, improve community appearance, improve wildlife habitat, and create volunteer stewardship opportunities.

“Watershed protection is everybody’s responsibility,” said Virginia American Water President William R. Walsh. “We’re very proud to support these community organizations that demonstrate commitment and success in engaging the public to make a positive impact on the environment.”

Established in 2005, American Water’s Environmental Grant Program offers funds for innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies in the local communities the company serves.

Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 339,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.