CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Borough finds itself in a unique spot when it comes to PA Wilds, offering a spectacular view of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River within walking distance of downtown shops.
One Clearfield Borough resident recently attended a workshop to find out how the borough can best benefit from grant funds that could be available for places in the PA Wilds.
William Armstrong made a presentation to council at their committee meetings Thursday, explaining that if Clearfield Borough and other areas in the county fail to step up for PA Wilds funding, the money will go elsewhere.
“The net cost to the borough of developing a continuing strategy to take advantage of what PA Wilds offers is nothing,” Armstrong said. He added that if locals do not become agressive in getting these funds, they will go to other places in the 12-county region.
The Planning and Community Development Committee authorized Armstrong to proceed with determining guidelines and deadlines for submitting applications for possible grant money.
Councilman Mike Errigo, Second Ward, urged council to come up with a plan to use any money that might be garnered from governmental sources. “Those communities that have plans are the ones that are going to draw attention,” he said. Errigo and Mayor Patty Gilliland also attended a similar workshop previously.
The committee also authorized that letters be written to legislators regarding the borough’s concerns that Liquid Fuels Funds could be used for rapid transit systems in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia rather than on paving projects in smaller communities.