On November 20, 2012, Governor Tom Corbett in Pennsylvania approved $26.5 million for 198 projects in Pennsylvania.  The projects will improve communities, create new recreation, and aid in the conservation of natural resources. 

Governor Corbett announced the funds at the Coleman Memorial Park in Lebanon.  He stated, “Our Parks are among the things that tie us all together—a place to meet for leisure, for entertainment, for recreation and for tourism.” 

The grants are part of the Community Conservation Partnership Program under the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).  Funding for the program comes from the Keystone Fund.  Portions of the Fund are raised through realty transfer taxes, fees and licenses for ATVs and snowmobiles, and the Environmental Stewardship Fund.  The Keystone Fund also receives federal funding. 

Corbett explained how investment from the Community Conservation Partnership Program will generate more private investment as well.  He stated, “This $26.5 million investment will leverage $43.2 million in local, county and private investments, giving every state dollar more power for the public good.”

Corbett made the announcement in Lebanon because the City of Lebanon is receiving a $225,000 grant for environmentally friendly projects.  The funds will be used to clear all asphalt at the city’s amphitheater.  Additionally, the funds will be used to collect storm water and irrigate the water to playing fields.  Other improvements, such as solar lighting, are made possible with the funds as well.

Some notable projects include the following:

·  rehabilitation of the Mohn Street Intergenerational park in Steelton Borough, Dauphin County

·  addition of over a mile of trail and a pedestrian bridge to connect the Doylestown Bike and Hike System to the Peace Valley Trail located in Bucks County

·  the addition of groomers snow blazers to help maintain about 20-miles of snowmobile trials in the counties of Crawford, Erie, and Warren

·  conservation and headwater protection for 140 acres in Richland Township, Allegheny County

·  $2.3 million for numerous Heritage Areas projects like key gap closures on the Delaware and Lehigh Trail and more

The grants will aid in 49 trail projects and 79 projects to develop or rehabilitate recreational activities, parks, or conservation areas.  The funds will help to protect about 3,238 acres of open space. 

A complete list of all the grants by county can be found on DCNR’s website.  You can also find lists of grants for previous years. 

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources