HARRISBURG — East Buffalo Township and Lewisburg, Union County, and Tremont Borough, Schuylkill County, are among underserved or distressed municipalities throughout the commonwealth to receive a combined $19.4 million in grants to improve recreation.
East Buffalo Township will receive $685,700 for acquisition of 79 acres for a new community park and Lewisburg was allocated $361,000 for the development of Piers Art Park with work to include construction of an outdoor stage, parking area and pedestrian walkways.
Tremont Borough was awarded $276,000 to install play equipment, a pavilion and stormwater controls at a park.
Statewide, the Schuylkill River Greenway Association will be given $300,000 to prepare a five-year strategic plan update, conduct a trail feasibility study for the 1-mile segment of the Schuylkill River Trail, between Buttonwood bridge and Schuylkill Avenue, and design and construct a boat launch along the Schuylkill River in Schuylkill Haven.
The grants are funded from multiple sources with the largest being the American Rescue Plan Act money appropriated for recreation and conservation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s 2022-23 budget.
“Having these federal dollars allowed DCNR to reduce the match required, making it possible for small and distressed communities to apply for the help needed to revitalize their boroughs and towns. Our regional advisors put in extra effort to assist,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn stated.
According to DCNR, the special fall grant round focused on helping underserved communities and supporting an invigorated focus on the outdoor recreation sector, closing trail gaps and planting trees along streams and in communities.
“Investing in the upkeep and expansion of our recreational areas improves the quality of life for people who live there, and it also helps support the network of businesses related to outdoor recreation and natural places that have a big impact on the state, local and rural economies,” Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner said.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation adds $14 billion to the Pennsylvania economy. This activity creates 150,000 full-time jobs which earn Pennsylvanians $6.8 billion in wages and salaries.
DCNR said local parks are as diverse as the populations they serve, but they all face similar challenges – access, connectivity, maintenance, staffing and funding.
Applicants were encouraged to submit projects that advanced their local recreation and conservation vision and implemented priorities of the statewide outdoor recreation plan, such as constructing playgrounds, developing internal loop trails and improving access for people of all abilities and backgrounds.
The grants are administered by the DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program. The 2023 grant round will open on Tuesday and close in April.
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