MILFORD, PA ― The Pike County Commissioners collaborated with Rep. Jeff Olsommer (R-Pike/Wayne) and Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) to secure a $400,000 grant through the Department of Community and Economic Development Economic Development Initiatives Program, intended to help address the spongy moth infestation in Pike County.

The commissioners’ office will use the awarded funds to administer a county-wide spongy moth cost-share program open to those conducting aerial application of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a microbiome naturally found in soil used to suppress spongy moth caterpillar populations and to minimize defoliation and the secondary impacts of the  caterpillars. Applicants who meet the conditions to participate will be reimbursed up to 25 percent, or a reimbursement cap of $10,000. Applicants will be classified by acreage and landownership to ensure funds are distributed equitably.

The application form, along with details on eligibility, the reimbursement process and the application process, can be found at www.pikepa.org/spongymoth. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, until funds are exhausted.