Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Roads

Pennsylvania's Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Roads (DGLVR) Program provides funding and technical assistance to improve the environmental quality of unpaved and low volume paved roads. The program is administered by the Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies at Penn State University and implemented locally through county conservation districts.

The Schuylkill Conservation District serves as the local program administrator, working directly with municipalities, townships, and road associations to identify problem areas and implement best management practices (BMPs) that reduce sediment runoff and improve road drainage.

Funding is available to municipalities (townships, boroughs, and counties) and private road associations that maintain dirt, gravel, or low volume paved roads open to public travel. Roads must be identified as a source of sediment or other pollutants entering waterways to qualify for project funding.

Private landowners are not eligible for DGLVR funding directly, but may benefit from improvements made to roads that cross or border their property.

Common BMPs funded through the program include: improved road drainage (ditches, culverts, and water bars), road surface stabilization with gravel or aggregate, stream crossing improvements and bridge replacements, roadside buffer restoration, and installation of rolling dips and broad-based dips to divert runoff.

All projects are designed to meet the technical standards established by the Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies and must be inspected and approved by the Conservation District before funding is released.

Municipalities and road associations interested in applying for DGLVR funding should contact the Schuylkill Conservation District office. District staff will conduct a site visit to evaluate the road and identify appropriate BMPs. Approved projects are funded on a reimbursement basis after work is completed and inspected.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to available funding. Early contact with the District is encouraged to allow adequate time for project planning and design.

Beyond grant funding, the Conservation District provides free technical assistance to road managers seeking guidance on road maintenance practices that minimize environmental impacts. This includes site visits, BMP recommendations, and educational resources on proper road grading, drainage maintenance, and erosion prevention.

For more information or to schedule a site visit, contact the Schuylkill Conservation District at (570) 622-3742, ext. 5 or by email at [email protected].