Cambria County park, recreation area to benefit from $656,507 in state funding
Rep. Frank Burns October 20, 2014
HARRISBURG, Oct. 20 – State Reps. Frank Burns, D-Cambria/Somerset, and Gary Haluska, D-Cambria, announced more than $656,500 in state grant funding is coming to Cambria County to boost recreational opportunities.
Blacklick Township will receive $75,000 to rehabilitate and further develop its community park. The project includes ball field dugouts, storage areas and pavilions. The pedestrian walkways will be paved and fencing and bleachers installed, as well as complying with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
The Rock Run Recreation Area in Chest Township will use its $581,507 award to further develop the area, including building camp sites, an access road, shower house, comfort station and other related site improvements.
"I think many area residents already know that Cambria County has much to offer in the way of recreational and outdoor opportunities," Burns said. "These grants will allow us to enhance that experience."
The grants are from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
CCPP provides state and federal grants to help fund conservation projects across the state, including:
- improving existing parks and recreation facilities;
- modernizing parks and bringing them into compliance with ADA standards and the Universal Construction Code;
- developing trails and helping communities become bicycle and pedestrian friendly;
- protecting critical habitat, watersheds and wetlands;
- creating natural play areas, off-leash dog parks and skate parks;
- improving and expanding public water access; and
- promoting partnerships for outdoor recreation and conservation of natural resources.
“Not only will this funding improve upon recreational experiences for our residents and visitors, but it will also help protect our environment for generations to come,” Haluska said. “I am pleased that this funding will help keep Cambria County beautiful for our children and grandchildren.”
In all, 219 grants worth $33 million were awarded during this cycle. The projects included 25 land acquisitions, 107 community parks, 12 river conservations and 41 trails.