On Monday, August 14th, the Lancaster County Commissioners presented a check in the amount of $150,000 to Clay Township through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for Clean Water & Conservation projects. The funding will go towards two stream bank restoration projects within the municipality. ARPA funding for this project was approved by the Lancaster County Commissioners at the December 21st, 2022, meeting.
The funding received from the county will be split amongst two separate sites. One project aims to restore an area of streambank at Hopeland Park, creating more opportunities for township access and recreation. The other is located on private property within the township. Through private and municipal partnership the section of streambank will continue to receive repairs and maintenance by the property owners. As a result of these two projects, Clay Township anticipates a reduction in flooding and a significant improvement to wildlife and fisheries habitats in the area. The two identified projects will remove nearly 60,000 pounds of sediment from Middle Creek annually. Anticipated completion of the project is the end of 2024.