Gov. Tom Corbett and Lt. Governor Jim Cawley Friday announced an investment of $33.1 million for 219 projects across Pennsylvania that will create new recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources and help revitalize local communities.
“The health and vitality of our communities is reflected in the quality of parks and trails, access to rivers, open spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities,” Gov. Corbett said. “These grants will fund more than 200 projects throughout Pennsylvania to help protect and enhance our natural amenities.”
The Lt. Governor awarded one of these grants at an event today at Canal Park in Solebury Township, Bucks County. Solebury Township is receiving a $500,000 grant for the construction of the Route 32 segment of the Route 202 Cross County Trail.
“Many of the projects being funded – improvements to local parks, trails and river access – bring these amenities closer to home, requiring less driving and expense to experience,” Lt. Governor Cawley said. “This $33 million investment will leverage more than $57 million in local, county and private investments, giving every state dollar more power for the public good.”
The Lt. Governor was joined today by DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti, and other state and local officials.
"This small yet vital 0.3 mile gap will link the Route 202 Cross County Trail and the 165 mile Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Trail, as well as state and local parks, commercial and residential areas and schools," said Jim Searing, Chairman of Solebury Township's Board of Supervisors. "This project will leverage more than $1 million in federal funding."
The grants are administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program. Funding comes from the Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the ATV/Snowmobile Fund generated through fees for licenses; and federal monies.
Investments are being made in a variety of proposals, including: 41 trail projects; protecting 7,400 acres of open space; and 49 projects to develop or rehabilitate recreation, park and conservation areas and facilities.
Projects are funded throughout Pennsylvania, including:
-- Rehabilitation and the addition of a spray park in Pendora Park, Reading;
-- Further development of the College Township Bikeway System, Centre County;
-- Payment toward the acquisition of about 4,600 acres of forested land along Route 33 and the Appalachian Trail corridor in Monroe and Northampton counties;
-- Development of Pier 68 in Philadelphia; and
-- Equipment purchases for the maintenance of motorized vehicle recreation trails in the Rausch Creek Off-Road Park, Schuylkill County.
Additionally, more than $2.5 million is being provided to Heritage Areas for projects including: conducting mini-grant programs to assist grassroots organizations in implementing conservation, recreation and cultural heritage projects throughout Pennsylvania; continuing development of the Delaware and Lehigh and Lackawanna River Heritage trails; implementing the Schuylkill River Heritage Towns and Tours program that assists communities throughout the corridor in capitalizing on their natural, cultural and built assets; developing trail systems and assets along the Mainline Canal Greenway; developing a coordinated communication plan to better serve visitors to the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Corridor; and implementing recommendations of the Coordinated Transportation System study in the Laurel Highlands to better connect citizens and visitors to area services and attractions.
A complete list of grants awarded is available online.
