HARRISBURG – Six grants totaling $874,300 have been awarded for local park, recreation and conservation projects, according to Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41), Rep. Abby Major (R-60), Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-63), Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-62) and Rep. Brian Smith (R-66).
The grants were provided through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Program (CCPP). The CCPP program is administered by DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, to provide financial and technical assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts and other non-profits, for the planning, acquisition and development of park, recreation, conservation and greenway projects.
“These state investments in local projects will help build on the many recreational and natural resources we have in the region,” Pittman said. “I am very pleased CCPP has recognized the importance of these projects within our communities.”
Armstrong Trail Development $234,700 – Ford City Borough & Manor Township, Armstrong County – Development of the Armstrong Trail with work to include rehabilitation of approximately 2.5 miles of trail from 17th Street in Ford City Borough to Tub Mill Run in Manor Township, and from 1st Avenue to Eljer Way in Ford City Borough and a trailhead, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
“I’m pleased to see these projects funded,” Major said. “Trails encourage exercise and allow residents and visitors to enjoy all the beauty our area has to offer. I’m eager to see these projects completed to enhance the Armstrong Trail.”
Rehabilitation of Whelan Park $60,000 – Kittanning Borough, Armstrong County – Work to include installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing and fencing, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
“I am pleased to support this rehabilitation project that will give our local children a more accessible playground,” Oberlander said. “This is a great opportunity for healthy physical activity and fresh air and I am happy that this project received this important funding.”
Development of the Tide Trail $313,500 – Center Township, Indiana County – Indiana County Conservation District work to include construction of approximately 3.7 miles of trail from the intersection of Rt. 119 and Lucerne Road to Lucerne Park and Rt. 954, three trailheads, fencing, and rehabilitation of one bridge, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
“The funding for Tide Trail will bring additional access and improve the quality of this trail,” shared Struzzi. “It will also help boost the local economy by attracting more visitors to the area. Funding like this helps preserve the natural beauty of our district and ensures that everyone for generations to come may enjoy it. I was happy to support this project.”
Rehabilitation of Big Run Borough’s Veteran’s Park $65,000 – Big Run Borough, Jefferson County – Work to include construction of pedestrian walkway and parking areas; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
“The projects chosen to receive funding are a great representation of some of our district’s greatest assets,” Smith said. “Our veterans and our extensive trail network both deserve to be celebrated, and this funding will help make sure they will be celebrated for years to come.”
Purchase of Trail Counters for the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail $73,800 – Allegheny, Armstrong, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, and Venango Counties. Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Alliance, Inc. will coordinate fund capacity building and the purchase of trail counters for the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail. Work to include an electronic written report.
Armstrong Trail Equipment Purchase $127,300 – Armstrong, Clarion, and Westmoreland Counties. Armstrong Trails Inc., for purchase of equipment to maintain and construct approximately 52.5 miles of the Armstrong Trail in Armstrong, Clarion and Westmoreland counties.
The full list of statewide CCPP grants approved can be found here.
Media Contacts:
Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman)
Rick Leiner (Rep. Oberlander)
Tracy Polovick (Rep. Major)
Matthew Davis (Rep. Struzzi)
Jake Gillespie (Rep. Smith)