Cumberland County commissioners on July 23 approved two planning contracts funded with Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) countywide action plan funds to address local water-quality and stormwater issues.

Elizabeth Grant told the board the first contract, a $5,119 agreement with Edwin (Ed) Franco, will fund a livestock watering system plus fencing and gates to keep livestock from entering a nearby stream; the project is managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and funded through the DEP countywide action plan. "This project is to fund a livestock watering system and fencing and gates on his property to keep livestock from entering the stream," Grant said.

The second contract, a $3,713.71 agreement with Silver Spring Township, will repair a recently installed rain garden that is retaining water longer than expected following storms; the repair includes installing piping with a controllable valve to allow dewatering and protect the plantings. Grant said DEP funding was approved for the repair to ensure the rain garden functions properly.

Commissioners approved both contracts without objection. County staff said the projects are part of DEP-funded efforts to reduce runoff impacts and improve water quality in the county.