Grant Money for Trails, Parks Projects

McKean and neighboring counties will be receiving nearly a million dollars in state grant money to enhance trails, parks and other tourist attractions in the region.

The Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Corporation will get $140,000 to provide technical assistance to communities in Bradford, Crawford, Erie, Lackawanna, McKean, Pike, Potter, Tioga, Warren, Wayne and Wyoming counties to implement their Heritage Work Plans and coordinate Artisan Trail for 2012.

The money will also go toward coordinating the Mile Marker Maintenance program, develop printed materials to market Route 6 and its assets, update the Interpretive Plan and History of Route 6 and develop application for National Scenic Byway and All-American Road designation for Route 6.

The Lumber Heritage Region of PA will receive $125,000 to provide technical support to partner organizations in Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga and Warren counties to advance heritage development and the PA Wilds in 2012.

This includes conducting three workshops to build capacity of the Potter-Tioga County Maple Producers and assist in the development of material to promote the Maple Industry; providing technical assistance to the West Creek Recreational Trail Association to advance the trail; designing, fabricating and installing up to 10 interpretive signs along the West Branch Recreational Trail; and exhibiting the Wood on Glass collection at four sites throughout the Heritage Region.

The Kinzua Valley Trail Club will receive $148,000 for further development of the Kinzua Valley Rail Trail in Hamilton Township to include the construction of about 2.4 miles of trail from the existing trail at Whiting Run to the Red Bridge Campground.

The West Creek Recreational Trail Association will receive $280,800 for development of about 5.5 miles the West Creek Recreational Trail from the eastern boundary of Emporium Borough to the village of Howard Siding in Shippen Township.

The DCNR-Bureau of Forestry-Moshannon State Forest will receive $27,800 for the purchase of trail maintenance equipment to construct and maintain about 200 miles of trails.

The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission will receive $150,000 to provide mini grants to implement the North Central Greenways and Open Space Plan in Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter counties.

Governor Tom Corbett today announced an investment of $31.5 million for 218 conservation and recreation projects designed to protect natural resources and revitalize communities across the state.


Pictured, Corbett, joined by Rep. Mike Vereb and DCNR Secretary Richard J. Allan today announced the grants.
Provided by Commonwealth Media Services