Grants Awarded to Local Organizations for Recreation, Environmental Projects

Five organizations and municipalities in the 32nd Senatorial District have been awarded more than $1.37 million in Community Conservation Partnerships Program (CCPP) grants to undertake local environmental and recreational projects, according to Senator Pat Stefano (R-32).

Stefano said the CCPP Program is administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and includes the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93), the Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener 1) and several federal funding sources.

Grants are used to provide financial and technical assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts, and other nonprofits for planning, acquisition and development of park, recreation, conservation and greenway projects.

“These grants are important to encouraging the development of recreational sites and greenways and improving the quality of life for area residents,” Stefano said.  “I’m pleased that these local organizations are benefitting from this funding which will also help to encourage economic development and create jobs.

Stefano continued, “Projects like the Sheepskin trail are also critical in bringing tourism to our area. Remediating our streams and rivers also provides new opportunities for anglers and an improved environment. I’m also pleased to see DCNR continue to provide recreational opportunities for snowmobile enthusiasts in our region. Finally, The improvements at Cedar Creek Park will enhance an already impressive recreational asset for our region.”

The following grants were awarded:

Mountain Watershed Association, Inc. — $10,000 for the restoration of Mill Run, Springfield Township, Fayette County. Work to include streambank stabilization, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

Saltlick Township — $17,000 to prepare an update to the 2001 River Conservation Plan for Indian Creek, Fayette and Westmoreland counties..

Jennerstown Borough — $394,000 toward the acquisition of approximately 223 acres located in Jennerstown Borough and Jenner Township, Somerset County, for open space protection and passive recreation.

DCNR, Bureau of Forestry (District 4)  Forbes State Forest — $155,563 for the development of the Laurel Highlands Snowmobile Trail System in Cook, Donegal and Ligonier townships, Westmoreland County, and Jefferson, Jenner, Lincoln and Middlecreek Townships, Somerset County. Work to include rehabilitation of approximately 5 miles of trail, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

National Road Heritage Corridor –$150,000 to coordinate and fund heritage area initiatives including continued stewardship of the Sheepskin Trail, support of economic development projects in the Monongahela River Valley and the implementation of a National Road Town project in Washington City, Washington County.

Westmoreland County — $640,000 for the rehabilitation and further development of two sites within Cedar Creek Park, Westmoreland County. Hilltop Site work will include construction of a comfort station, concrete plazas, paved walkways, parking area and rain gardens; installation of a destination playground with required safety surfacing; utilities, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. River ‘n Trail Pavilion Site work will include construction of a comfort station and pavilion; installation of playground equipment with required safety surfacing; utilities, ADA access, landscaping, site amenities, project sign and other related site improvements.

 

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