Conservation, watershed, and zoo projects receive $795,000 in state funding

Grants made possible through Allegheny County gaming grants program

Rep. Sara Innamorato September 16, 2020 | 2:13 PM

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 16 – Three area projects have been selected to receive more than $795,000, state Rep. Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny, said today. The projects include conservation and watershed restoration, as well as the reconstruction of the parking lot and entrance of the Pittsburgh Zoo.

“Advocating for funding and resources in our community has been a priority for me. This funding marks an important investment in our neighborhoods, dedicating public resources to important environmental conservation and watershed protection efforts that will benefit all of us who live in the region,” Innamorato said. “I was especially pleased to see the Girty’s Woods Conservation Project receive funding, which will expand greenspace in our community.”

“We’re grateful for and energized by this grant funding for the Girty’s Woods Conservation Project,” Allegheny Land Trust’s President & CEO Chris Beichner said. “Many passionate individuals from Reserve, Millvale, and Shaler have supported the project with contributions and grassroots efforts. This funding helps us maintain the momentum needed to protect this special green space for generations to come.”

The projects funded included:

Allegheny Land Trust, $245,248 to purchase four parcels on Colton Street for the Girty’s Woods Conservation Project.
Zoological Society of Pittsburgh, $450,000 to rebuild the Pittsburgh Zoo parking lot and front entrance.
O’Hara Township, $100,000 to help fund the Powers Runs Pollutant Reduction Plan.

A fourth project, while not directly in her district but supported by Innamorato, was: