HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 27, 2000 (PRNewswire) — On behalf of Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge, Department of Conservation and Natural Resource (DCNR) Secretary John C. Oliver today announced six grants totaling more than $1 million for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation areas.
The grants will fund projects in Allegheny, Cambria, Delaware, Greene, Schuylkill and Wayne counties.
The grants have been approved by the National Park Service through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), administered in Pennsylvania by DCNR.
"These grants are another source of funds communities can use to enhance the quality of life of Pennsylvanians," Oliver said. "Each year, the demand for recreation and conservation projects grows as towns and cities realize the importance of parks, greenways and open space to everyday living. Thanks to programs like the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Ridge Administration's 'Growing Greener' program, we can better meet the needs of our communities, families and visitors."
In addition to the LWCF grants, DCNR administers the Ridge Administration's Community Conservation Partnership Program, providing about $30 million in grants each year for open space, rivers conservation, community recreation, rails-to-trails and other greenways. "Growing Greener" has added about $8 million to the program. Agency officials are evaluating the merits of 622 grant applications requesting more than $70 million from the program.
LWCF grants have funded more than 1,300 projects in Pennsylvania worth about $140 million since the program's inception in 1965. No LWCF monies have been allocated to states since 1995.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund has been bolstered by the recent creation of a six-year, $12 billion funding program that targets $540 million for the LWCF. Approximately $90 million is available to the states this year. Congress also has set aside an additional $160 million in each of the next five years that could be added to the LWCF or other conservation programs in the future.
The LWCF grants will go to the following projects:
— Monroeville Municipality, Allegheny County, $300,000, for the renovation of Evergreen, Hawkeye and Overlook parks, including playgrounds, parking areas, ball fields, court areas, trails, and other site improvements;
— Ridley Township, Delaware County, $250,000, for the acquisition of roughly 17 acres along Bullens Lane for a passive park;
— Ebensburg, Cambria County, $250,000, for the renovation of Memorial Field, a community recreation complex, including construction of three ball fields, a soccer field, concession stand/restroom building, walking trail and other related site improvements;
— Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County, $125,000, for the renovation and further development of Island Park along the Schuylkill River, including improvements to the softball and soccer fields, installation of a concession stand, and utilities and other related site improvements;
— Wayne County, $28,000, for the development of soccer fields at the Wayne County Recreation Park in Berlin Township; and
— Ryerson Station State Park, Greene County, $50,000 for the acquisition of a roughly 80-acre addition to the park in Richhill Township.
For more information on the LWCF grants, or any of the grant programs administered by DCNR's Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, visit the DCNR web site through the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us or directly at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.
