Burns: $500,000 in state funds to support, protect parks, recreational opportunities
Rep. Frank Burns November 14, 2019 | 1:34 PM
HARRISBURG, Nov. 14 – Cambria County will benefit from several state grants to protect area parks and trails for residents to enjoy, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today.
Burns, D-Cambria, said a total of $500,000 was awarded to local and statewide organizations to benefit parks, recreation and conservation efforts, including:
- $25,000 to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council to coordinate and fund the PA Water Trails Program, including implementation of its 2020 mini-grant program, which includes the Kiski-Conemaugh Water Trail, which runs through Cambria County.
- $40,000 to Portage Borough in Cambria County to install fencing, provide ADA access, renovate tennis courts and make other site improvements at Crichton-McCormick Park.
- $40,000 to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to develop a plan related to climate change impacts in the Laurel Highland region, which includes Cambria County.
- $165,000 to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council Inc. to coordinate and fund activities of the Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape, including a mini-grant program and the implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy to promote water resources in the region.
- $230,000 to the Allegheny Ridge Corporation to assist communities with the development of new access and related improvements to the Kiski-Conemaugh and Juniata River Trails.
“Making these investments in our communities now will guarantee these recreational opportunities will be available for residents and visitors for years to come,” said Burns. “With $21 million in state grants this year alone, I remain committed to fighting for these state dollars in Harrisburg to benefit our region.”
DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation assists local governments, recreation and conservation organizations with funding for projects related to conservation, parks and recreation, including conservation of open space, river conservation and access, and the planning, acquisition and development of public parks. More information can be found at the following link: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Grants/Pages/default.aspx