HARRISBURG, August 28, 2000 -- Senator Raphael J. Musto was honored today by the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association for his pivotal role in the Growing Greener Initiative, the largest environmental funding program in Pennsylvania’s history.

During a ceremony in Hershey, Musto (D-Luzerne), who has been widely recognized for his legislative work in the areas of conservation and natural resource preservation, was presented a Distinguished Service Award for his leadership and support for the enactment of the Growing Greener program.

Musto said Growing Greener, which designates $645 million in funding, is a five-year effort to preserve more farmland, promote better planning, clean up parks and restore mines.

"Pennsylvania’s natural resources need our daily protection and I will continue my efforts to preserve our land for today and for future generations," he said. "It is a real privilege to be recognized as someone dedicated to making Pennsylvania a better place."

Musto, entering his third decade in the senate, is the Democratic Chairman of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee for the 1999-2000 legislative session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.