October 17, 2014
Department of Conservation and Natural resources
Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grant Announcement
The Department is announcing approximately $33 million for 219 grants to communities and non-profit organizations for a wide variety of recreation and conservation projects across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Plan helps guide investment decisions which include land/habitat conservation and close to home community recreation – parks, trails, river access, etc. The grants also support the work of the State’s twelve designated heritage areas, the seven conservation landscapes and greenway organizations who work in partnership with DCNR to coordinate conservation and recreation work on a landscape level.
The DCNR recreation and conservation grant program is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources including, the Keystone Recreation , Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93); the Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF); the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF); Pennsylvania Recreational Trails fund (PRT – Federal source);Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program (HA) and; the Snowmobile/ATV Fund (S/ATV). The amount of funds fluctuates from year to year as does the unreserved program starting balance. The available funds from this year’s Commonwealth budget are comparable to what was available last year. However, because of a smaller carryover balance the total amount of funds being awarded this year is less.
Project Highlights include grants to help with:
·  25 land acquisition projects that will conserve 7,400 acres. Total acquisition grant funding is approximately $8.4 million.
·  107 community park projects with a total grant investment of nearly $11 million. These projects include 30 planning projects, 18 small community park projects and 59 park rehabilitation and development projects.
·  37 partnerships projects that help support Statewide, regional and landscape conservation and recreation work. Grant funding in this category totals more than $6 million derived from several sources.
·  12 rivers conservation and recreation projects with a total grant investment of nearly $1 million.
·  41 trail projects with a total grant investment of almost $7.5 million. Several critical gaps in the Commonwealth’s statewide network of trails and greenways will be addressed. Over 39 miles of new trails will be built; 14 new trail heads, 9 bridges, and 1 comfort facility will be built; 12 miles of trail and 3 tunnels will be rehabilitated; and 18 miles of new trails will be planned. In addition, over $940,000 is being invested in motorized trail activities to enhance the capacity of motorized trail areas to accommodate motorized users and to provide mini grants to snowmobile and ATV organizations to groom, maintain and improve trails throughout the state.
·  The 219 grant projects awarded are listed below in alphabetical order by County.
Adams
Gettysburg Borough, $250,000, Further development of the Gettysburg Inner Loop in Gettysburg Borough, Adams County. Work to include the development of drawings, specifications and related documents that will facilitate the bidding and construction of approximately 1 mile of bike lanes and shared lane markings on West Street and Springs Avenue; 200 feet of trail along US Route 30 from Reynolds Street to Race Horse Alley; a pedestrian bridge over Stevens Run, lighting, benches, signage, landscaping, ADA access and other related site improvements. Scott Dellett, (717) 334-1160 ext. 224. Key - Community
Allegheny
Allegheny Land Trust, $250,000, Payment toward the acquisition of approximately 30 acres along Water Works Road in Sewickley Borough, Allegheny County for headwaters and watershed protection and open space. Roy Kraynyk, (412) 741-2750 ext. 203. Key - Land Trust
Allegheny Land Trust, $47,000, Payment toward the acquisition of approximately 8 acres along Haymont Drive at the headwaters of Montour Run (Pine Creek) in Richland Township, Allegheny County for headwaters protection and open space. Roy Kraynyk, (412) 741-2750 ext. 203. Key - Land Trust
Bethel Park Municipality, $19,800, Conduct a study to identify needed repairs and upgrades for 13 parks in the Municipality of Bethel Park, Allegheny County. Work to include a written, bound report. Michael D. Smith, (412) 831-6800 ext. 382. Key - Community
Crafton Borough, $350,000, Rehabilitation of Crafton Park Swimming Pool, Crafton Borough, Allegheny County. Work to include reconfiguration and expansion of swimming pool zero-depth entry, bathhouse, installation of filtration and chemical systems, water features, ADA access, project sign and other related site improvements. Jamie Beechey, (412) 921-0752 ext. 16. Key - Community
Fox Chapel Borough, $139,000, Development of the Squaw Run Trail in Fox Chapel Borough, Allegheny County. Work to include construction of approximately 0.5 mile of trail and bridge from Hunt Road to Squaw Run Road East in Fox Chapel Borough; ADA access, landscaping, project sign, and other related site improvements. Jim Pashek, (412) 321-6362 ext. 111. Key - Community
Friends of the Riverfront, Inc., $40,000, Development of a non-motorized boat launch along the Ohio River at South Avenue in Hayesville Borough, Allegheny County. Work to include installation of a non-motorized boat launch; construction of connecting pathways; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Jeffrey McCauley, (412) 488-0212 ext. 2. ESF
Leetsdale Borough, $29,500, Rehabilitation of a motorized boat launch along the Ohio River at Petrun Road in Leetsdale Borough, Allegheny County. Work to include replacement and relocation of the existing boat ramp; repainting the parking lot; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Daniel B. Slagle, (412) 269-9440. ESF
Montour Trail Council, $212,200, Further development of the Montour Trail in South Park Township, Allegheny County. Work to include construction of approximately 0.4 mile of trail and bridge parallel to Piney Fork Road from the crossing of the Piney Fork Creek westward to the trailhead in South Park Township; ADA access, landscaping, project sign, and other related site improvements. David C. Oyler, (412) 831-9288. PRT
Pine Township, $30,000, Prepare a Comprehensive Recreation and Park Plan for Pine Township, Allegheny County. Work to include a written, bound report. Joni Patsko, (724) 625-1636 ext. 116. Key - Community
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, $300,000, Development of Frick Environmental Center, Pittsburgh City, Allegheny County. Work to include construction of a new environmental center; installation of utilities to both the environmental center and existing barn; ADA access, site amenities, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Kate Freed, (412) 682-7275 ext. 229. ESF
Scott Township, $325,000, Rehabilitation and further development of Scott Park, Scott Township, Allegheny County. Work to include construction of a synthetic ice rink; playground equipment with required safety surfacing, pedestrian walkways; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Denise H. Fitzgerald, (412) 276-5300 ext. 212. Key - Community
South Park Township, $369,300, Further development of the Montour Trail in South Park Township, Allegheny County. Work to include the construction of a 0.7-mile trail segment from Pleasant Street to Wood Street; ADA access, landscaping, project sign, and other related site improvements. Dave Wright, (412) 350-6645. Key - Community
Springdale Borough, $100,000, Development of the Springdale Borough Trail & Kayak Launch in Springdale Borough, Allegheny County. Work to include construction of approximately 0.2 mile of trail along Colfax Avenue from Railroad Street to the Allegheny River, kayak launch, overlook; ADA access, landscaping, project sign, and other related site improvements. Kimberly Mcafoose, (724) 274-6800. Key - Community
Upper St. Clair Township, $250,000, Further development of Boyce Mayview Park, Upper St. Clair Township, Allegheny County. Work to include construction of approximately .75 mile trail extension of the Perimeter Trail connecting the community gardens to the Wetlands Trail parking lot, retaining wall; installation of site amenities, trail signage, ADA access, landscaping project sign, and other related site improvements. Mark Mansfield, (412) 831-9000 ext. 219. Key - Community
Armstrong
Armstrong County, $30,700, Study the feasibility of rehabilitating the Belmont Complex Swimming Pool in East Franklin Township, Armstrong County. Work to include a written bound report. Carmen E. Johnson, (724) 548-3721. Key - Community
Ford City Borough, $25,000, Further rehabilitation of the Armstrong Trail in Ford City Borough, Armstrong County. Work to include the rehabilitation of approximately 1.5 miles of trail from SR 128 to 14th Street in Ford City Borough; ADA access, landscaping, project sign, and other related site improvements. James S. Garvin Jr., (724) 459-5467. Key - Community
Beaver
Beaver County, $70,000, Prepare a Comprehensive Recreation and Park Plan and an Indoor Recreation Facility Feasibility Study for Beaver County. Work to include a written, bound report. Timothy P. Ishman, (724) 770-2094. Key - Community
Greene Township, $40,000, Rehabilitation and further development of Mill Creek Community Park, Greene Township, Beaver County. Work to include construction of pavilion, dining patio, comfort station addition; installation of utilities, ADA access, landscaping, project sign, and other related site improvements. Sandra J. Wright, (724) 573-1111. Key - Community
Bedford
Broad Top Township, $50,000, Further development of the Huntingdon & Broad Top Rail Trail in Hopewell Township, Bedford County. Work to include the development of drawings, specifications, and related documents that will facilitate the bidding and construction of approximately 4 miles of trail from East Cypher Road to a point near the intersection of Plank Road and Ritchie Bridge Road; 2 trailheads, fencing, signage, landscaping, ADA access and other related site improvements. David S. Thomas, (814) 928-5253. Key - Community
Berks
Fleetwood Borough, $164,000, Rehabilitation of Fleetwood Community Swimming Pool, Fleetwood Borough, Berks County. Work to include renovation to the large swimming pool, bathhouse/concession stand; installation of portable pool lifts; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Suzan M. Wetherhold, (610) 944-5334. Key - Community
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association, $28,900, Rehabilitation and further development of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Albany Township, Berks County. Work to include construction of observation deck and stormwater management measures; installation of fencing, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Ryan Beltz, (610) 756-6961. ESF
Natural Lands Trust, Inc., $316,000, Payment toward the acquisition of approximately 53 acres along French Creek State Park and Geigertown Road in Union Township, Berks County for park expansion and passive recreation. Jack Stefferud, (610) 353-5587. Key - Land Trust
Reading City, $250,000, Rehabilitation and further development of Pendora Park, Reading City, Berks County. Work to include renovation and upgrade to the spray park, installation of playground equipment with required safety surfacing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and related site improvements. Cindy DeGroote, (610) 655-6076. LWCF
Blair
Antis Township, $12,500, Prepare a Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Plan for Antis Township, Blair County. Work to include a written, bound report. Lucas L. Martsolf, (814) 742-7361. Key - Community
Railroaders Heritage Corporation, $68,000, Further development of Horse Shoe Curve National Historic Landmark, Logan Township, Blair County. Work to include construction of parking area and pedestrian walkway; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing and fencing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Larry Salone, (814) 591-1895. ESF
Bradford
Athens Township, $100,000, Further development of Round Top Park, Athens Township, Bradford County. Work to include construction of entrance road, parking area; pavilions, pedestrian walkways, and fishing pier, boardwalk; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Richard Bean, (570) 888-2325. Key - Community
Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Wyoming
Lycoming County, $40,000, Development of a Rivers Conservation Plan for the Loyalsock Creek Watershed in Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, and Wyoming counties. Work to include a written report. Jenny Picciano, (570) 320-2136. Key - Community
Bucks
Bucks County, $276,700, Rehabilitation and further development of Peace Valley Park, New Britain Township, Bucks County. Work to include construction of approximately 0.71 mile of a trail segment; and resurfacing of approximately 2.0 miles of the existing trail around Lake Galena; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Michelle Smyser, (215) 757-0571 ext. 3309. Key - Community
Doylestown Township, $326,000, Development of the Neshaminy Creek Greenway Trail in New Britain Borough and New Britain and Doylestown townships, Bucks County. Work to include the construction of approximately 0.75 mile of trail and bridge to connect Upper State Road in Doylestown Township to the New Britain Train Station in New Britain Borough; ADA access, landscaping, project sign, and other related site improvements. Stephanie Mason, (215) 348-9915 ext. 1033. Key - Community
Middletown Township, $30,000, Prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the approximately 10-acre Spring Valley Farm property in Middletown Township, Bucks County. Work to include a written, bound report. Debby L. Lamanna, (215) 750-3890. Key - Community
Newtown Borough, $150,000, Rehabilitation of Newtown Common Park and Newtown Creek in Newtown Borough, Bucks County. Work to include removal of concrete spoil; creek bank restoration; step-down access; installation of storm water best management practices; restoration of historic bridge footings; installation of interpretive signage; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Julia W. Woldorf, (215) 208-4726. Key - Community
Perkasie Borough, $30,000, Prepare a Master Site Development Plan for the approximately 67-acre Menlo and Lenape Parks in Perkasie and Sellersville boroughs, Bucks County. Work to include a written, bound report. Carolyn B. Hanel, (215) 257-5065 ext. 115. Key - Community
Solebury Township, $500,000, Further development of the Route 202 Gateway Trail in Solebury Township, Bucks County. Work to include the construction of a 0.3-mile trail segment from the Route 202 Connector Road to Magill's Hill Park on Chapel Road in Solebury Township; ADA access, landscaping, project sign, and other related site improvements. Dennis H. Carney, (215) 297-5656. Key - Community
Warrington Township, $72,000, Prepare a Trail Study to evaluate options to connect the Route 202 Trail to the Bradford Dam Trail in Warrington Township, Bucks County. Work to include a written, bound report. Roy Rieder, (215) 343-9350 ext. 104. Key - Community
Butler
Chicora Borough, $32,000, Further development of Chicora Community Park, Chicora Borough, Butler County. Work to include the construction of a comfort station; installation of utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Gary L. Pinkerton, (724) 284-5383. Key - Community
Clay Township, $40,000, Further development of Clay Township Community Park, Clay Township, Butler County. Work to include the construction of a pavilion; installation of utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Gary L. Pinkerton, (724) 284-5386. Key - Community