HARRISBURG – Five local parks or trails have been approved for state grants totaling more than $111,000. State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, R-74 of Houtzdale, made the announcement Wednesday.
“Efforts to build and maintain five community assets received a boost on the first day of summer the Community Conservation Partnership Program,” Rep. George said. “The money will be matched with local funds to enhance recreation and conservation endeavors.”
The grants, administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, are:
● $12,200 for the Clearfield County Rails to Trails Association to make trail and drainage improvements to the Grampian Line Section.
● $32,500 to Curwensville Borough for further development of Irwin Park, including installation of utilities, a pavilion, picnic tables, drinking fountains, landscaping and other improvements.
● $21,000 to Lawrence Township for improvements to the Lawrence Township Recreation Park, including safety fencing.
● $20,000 for Mahaffey Borough for improvements to Scout Community Park that include a comfort station, installation of playground equipment with safety surfacing and a gazebo.
● $26,000 for Westover Borough for improvements to Moser Park that include installation of playground equipment with safety surfacing.
Rep. George said two regional projects with possible ties to Clearfield County also were approved for grants. The Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association was approved for an $80,000 grant for a feasibility study and to identify a long-distance snowmobile trail across northern Pennsylvania and to implement a mini-grant program for snowmobile trail improvement projects.
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy received $150,000 to prepare a watershed conservation plan for the Sinnemahoning Creek watershed that includes a portion of Clearfield County.
Rep. George said the deadline for communities and recreation groups to apply for 2006-07 Community Conservation Partnership Program grants is Sept. 29, although the application period for planning and acquisition projects won’t open until Oct. 2.
Information and grant application manuals are available on the DCNR Web site, www.dcnr.state.pa.us/grants www.dcnr.state.pa.us/grants . They also are available by calling 717-787-7672 or by email at rec&con@state.pa.us. Grants can be used for a number of programs, including community recreation, land trusts, rails-to-trails, river conservation and recreational trails.