EMPORIUM — Applications for the ninth round of funding for the Sinnemahoning Watershed grant program are being accepted until Jan. 14.

The program is possible through settlement funds from the June 30th 2006 Norfolk Southern train derailment that caused a serious fish kill in Big Fill Run, Sinnemahoning Portage Creek, and the Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek. The funds are being administered by the Headwaters RC&D Sinnemahoning Stakeholders Committee.

This program offers funding to watershed and conservation groups with incorporation status, counties and municipalities, county conservation districts, council of governments, Commonwealth agencies, or any other authorized organizations involved in research, restoration, rehabilitation, planning, acquisition, development, education or other activities, which further the protection, enhancement, conservation, preservation or enjoyment of Pennsylvania’s environmental, conservation, recreation or similar resources.

All projects must be located within the Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed. Hard copy applications may be obtained at the Cameron and McKean County Conservation District Offices or electronically at www.headwaterspa.org. For further information contact Todd Deluccia at 814-486-9354 or email at tdeluccia@cameroncd.org.