Gergely: over $740,000 in state conservation grants for local communities and Pittsburgh
Rep. Matthew R. Gergely November 14, 2024 | 12:48 PM
McKEESPORT, Nov. 14 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $743,000 in state conservation grants was awarded to three projects in local communities and in Pittsburgh.
Gergely joined a long list of state lawmakers who helped make possible a $600,000 Community Conservation Partnership Program 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.
He also collaborated with state Sen. Jim Brewster, D-Allegheny, to secure $97,400 in C2P2 funds to rehabilitate Breznay Memorial Park in Lincoln Borough. Work will include:
- Renovation of ballfield.
- Construction of pedestrian walkway.
- Installation of fencing and bleachers.
- ADA access.
- Landscaping.
- Other related site improvements.
Gergely and several state representatives and senators facilitated $45,600 in C2P2 dollars to prepare a Rivers Conservation Plan for the Youghiogheny River from Connellsville in Fayette County to McKeesport in Allegheny County, as well.
“Safeguarding the environmental health of Pittsburgh and its communities is paramount, and these funds will go a long way to keeping both viable and vibrant across many walks of life. The monies will also help ensure the area remains a great place for neighbors and visitors to lay down roots and experience all that the Steel City and western PA have to offer, respectively,” Gergely 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.