CLEARFIELD – Board members of the Clearfield County Recreation and Tourism Authority were updated Wednesday by Planning Director Jodi Brennan about the current initiatives of the Pennsylvania Wilds Planning Team (PWPT).
The PWPT team consists of county planners, regional economic developers, heritage organizations, local and state government and other stakeholders. The team has developed an intergovernmental cooperative agreement to formalize its partnership as well as to become eligible for state funding under the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development, Brennan said.
According to Brennan, a case study was conducted to compile an inventory of the water, sewers, byways, etc. She said the PWPT team wanted to have an infrastructure in place and also to ensure a “pleasurable experience” for tourists to the 12-county region.
“We want them to come back,” she said.
A design guide was also developed to provide visual documentation of ways to respect the character, heritage and environment of the communities in the PA Wilds region. For example, the guide specifically discussed the downtowns to which she noted that Clearfield’s lies in the historic Victorian district.
Further, Brennan said the design guide equips people, businesses and organizations with ideas of protecting and preserving the character. At the same time, it suggests ways to embark on new construction, renovations and signage projects.
She presented photographs of improvements completed by two businesses in Clearfield County. St. Charles Café’ received funding for its signage and façade improvements through the PA Wilds and the Clearfield Revitalization Corp., respectively, she said. In addition, Bells & Whistles of Coalport used grant funding through the CCRTA for new signage improvements to its storefront’s awning.
According to Brennan, the PA Wilds has networked with both the state’s Department of Conversation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and DCED for funding options. She said an application has been submitted for additional funding toward community signage projects.
She said the commissioners on Tuesday approved a resolution to apply for the Preserve America Community Designation. If granted the designation, she believed it could “open up a pot of funding.”
“We are all about getting the community to buy into (our) community character” . . . “It provides us with another opportunity,” Brennan said.
The PA Wilds also has an oil and gas committee, which Brennan is affiliated with. A strictly informational, technical guide is soon to be released and possibly at an upcoming briefing.
She said the briefing has been scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 28 at the St. Marys Country Club. Cheryl Hargrove, who has an extensive background in community heritage, tourism development/marketing and sustainable tourism, is slated as the guest speaker.
