Allegheny County conservation efforts awarded $2.2 million

State grants fund urban tree planting, expand outdoor recreation

Allegheny County Delegation    January 13, 2023 | 10:48 AM

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 13 – Initiatives to improve air and water quality and develop recreation areas throughout the region received more than $2.2 million in state grants from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program, members of the state House Allegheny County Democratic Delegation announced today.

“Pennsylvania has the sixth largest outdoor recreation economy in the country,” said state Rep. Nick Pisciottano, who chairs the delegation. “Providing funding to properly manage our waterways and forests not only improves the quality of life of our community members, but also delivers major economic benefits. Our delegation will continue fighting for every dollar we can to keep Pennsylvania beautiful.”

The following local funding was included among $31.2 million in grants announced for projects across the state:

  • $499,900 to the city of Pittsburgh to rehabilitate Allegheny Landing Park. The funded project includes renovation of the plaza, historic railings and pedestrian walkways; installation of lawn, meadow and rain gardens; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

  • $521,000 to the Allegheny Land Trust for payment toward the acquisition of approximately 96 acres in Monroeville for open space and passive recreation.

  • $227,000 to Rivers of Steel Heritage Corp. to renovate the historic water tower in Munhall and inspection and repair of the Explorer Riverboat. The funded project includes an electronic written summary report.

  • $500,000 to the city of Pittsburgh to implement the Equitable Street Tree Investment Plan with TreeVitalize. The funded project includes an electronic written summary report.

  • $500,000 to Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest to implement a community tree care program and expand the Tree Pittsburgh Heritage Nursery in Pittsburgh. The funded project includes an electronic written summary report.

The grants are funded from multiple sources with the largest being the American Rescue Plan Act money appropriated for recreation and conservation in the 2022-23 state budget.

Lists of all grants awarded throughout the commonwealth are available here for tree planting grants and here for recreation and conservation grants.