Montgomery County introduces a fresh open space funding program
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is taking a significant step forward in its commitment to preserving open spaces with the launch of the Montco Forever Green grant initiative, starting September 1, 2025. This new program aims to support the preservation of open spaces across the county in perpetuity, building on a legacy of protecting over 43,500 acres of land for its economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Expanding Open Space Preservation Efforts
The Montco Forever Green initiative is designed to increase awareness and expand preservation efforts countywide, making resources available to a broader range of open space projects. According to Bill Hartman, trails and open space planning manager at the Montgomery County Planning Commission, the initiative is a continuation of the county's "strong history" of open space preservation.
Eligible Projects and Applicants
Eligible projects for Montco Forever Green include the acquisition of open land through fee title purchase or conservation easements. Projects of any size, in any setting, from rural to urban areas within Montgomery County, are eligible. The county’s 62 municipalities and nonprofit land conservation organisations are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $500,000 for open space preservation projects. Applicants are required to provide a minimum match of 25% of the grant amount.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
From an environmental perspective, open space mitigates flood waters, provides habitat for wildlife, sequesters carbon, and improves air and water quality. According to Bill Hartman, these benefits extend to the economic realm, with proximity to open spaces providing economic benefits such as increasing home and property values, generating jobs, and spending in the area. A 2022 study by the planning commission supports this, highlighting the positive impact of open spaces on residents' physical and mental well-being.
A Broad Spectrum of Open Space
The new initiative expands the definition of what open space is to cover a full spectrum of communities, including urban areas. This means that projects in densely populated urban areas can now be considered for funding, broadening the scope of the initiative and ensuring that all communities benefit from the preservation of open spaces.
Application and Review Process
Applications for the Montco Forever Green grants will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by the Montgomery County Planning Commission and an open space board before final approval by the board of commissioners. Recommended projects will then be voted on by the board of commissioners.
Funding for the Initiative
The county's capital improvement plan budget has allocated $2 million for fiscal year 2025 to fund the Montco Forever Green grants. This funding will support the preservation of open spaces, contributing to the county's ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance its natural environment.
In conclusion, the Montco Forever Green grant initiative is a significant step forward in Montgomery County's commitment to preserving open spaces. By making resources available to a broader range of projects and expanding the definition of open space, the initiative aims to ensure that all communities can benefit from the tangible benefits of open spaces, from economic to environmental to qualitative.
Science and environmental science have a crucial role in supporting the Montco Forever Green initiative, as experts evaluate the environmental benefits and potential long-term impacts of the preserved open spaces.
The lifestyle and home-and-garden sectors can also gain from this program, as residents living near these protected areas may experience improved air and water quality, increased property values, and enhanced mental and physical well-being, as highlighted by a 2022 study by the planning commission.
