Abney praises $1.3 million+ in state conservation grants for Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $1,306,600 in state conservation grants was awarded to three projects in Pittsburgh.

Abney collaborated with fellow Allegheny County state Reps. Lindsay Powell, Abigail Salisbury and Jessica Benham and state Sens. Jay Costa and Wayne Fontana to secure $604,400 in Community Conservation Partnership Program funds for the coordination of an Urban and Community Forestry workforce development program in the Steel City by the Student Conservation Association Inc.

He also joined a long list of state lawmakers who helped make possible a $600,000 C2P2 grant for the coordination and funding of an Urban Wood Reuse Project and Urban and Community Forestry workforce development program by the Pittsburgh Conservation Corps.

Abney, Powell, Fontana and Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes and state Sen. Lindsey Williams facilitated $102,200 in C2P2 dollars for the acquisition of approximately 8.94 acres in Pittsburgh for open space and passive recreation as well.

“Pittsburgh is proud to do its part in the ongoing international campaign to safeguard the environment. Moreover, adding opportunities for neighbors to have fun while experiencing all the Steel City has to offer will make it a more welcoming and hospitable place for neighbors and visitors alike,” Abney said. “Thank you to all my state legislative partners for their work in procuring these grants.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ C2P2 offers a wide range of grant and technical assistance programs to help communities, land conservancies and non-profit organizations plan, acquire and develop conservation facilities, greenways, heritage areas, critical habitats, open spaces and related features.

A list of grant recipients statewide is available here.