ANDERSON, SC (courtesy andersonuniversity.edu) — Anderson University has received a grant of $200,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency to aid in the further development of the Rocky River Nature Park adjacent to campus. The funds will be used to clean up an industrial site (known as the Seabrook facility), which abuts the Rocky River wetlands.
The University has partnered with the Rocky River Conservancy, Upstate Forever and others in the development of the natural wetlands into a nature park and environmental education facility for the community. Whatever funds from the grant that are not needed for the cleanup of the Seabrook facility will be used for community outreach and education regarding the Rocky River.
“EPA is committed to working with communities to redevelop Brownfields sites which have plagued their neighborhoods. EPA’s Assessment and Cleanup grants target communities that are economically disadvantaged and include places where environmental cleanup and new jobs are most needed,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “These grants leverage considerable infrastructure and other investments, improving local economies and creating an environment where jobs can grow. I am very pleased the President’s budget recognizes the importance of these grants by providing continued funding for this important program.”
The conservancy previously received an additional grant to develop a boardwalk through part of the wetlands for public use. That project is underway.