PENNVEST has continued its service to the communities and citizens of Pennsylvania by funding sewer, storm water and drinking water projects throughout the Commonwealth. These projects not only contribute to improving Pennsylvania's environment and the health of its people, they also provide opportunities for economic growth and jobs for Pennsylvania's workers. PENNVEST's low cost financial assistance helps make the water that is consumed every day by thousands of Pennsylvanians safe to drink. It helps clean rivers and streams in communities for the enjoyment of our citizens and the protection of our natural resources. PENNVEST funding also assists businesses to locate and expand their operations in Pennsylvania to create permanent, well-paying jobs for our workers.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

The Department of Environmental Protection's mission is to protect Pennsylvania's air, land and water from pollution and to provide for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment. We will work as partners with individuals, organizations, governments and businesses to prevent pollution and restore our natural resources.

The Pennsylvania State Office, located in Harrisburg, PA, administers USDA Rural Development programs through nine Area Offices across the state. All offices are open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Through our programs, we touch rural America in many ways.

The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment. EPA's purpose is to ensure that: 1)all Americans are protected from significant risks to human health and the environment where they live, learn and work; 2) national efforts to reduce environmental risk are based on the best available scientific information; 3) federal laws protecting human health and the environment are enforced fairly and effectively; 4) environmental protection is an integral consideration in U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy; 5) all parts of society -- communities, individuals, businesses, and state, local and tribal governments -- have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks; 6) environmental protection contributes to making our communities and ecosystems diverse, sustainable and economically productive; and 7) the United States plays a leadership role in working with other nations to protect the global environment.