The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced this week it is accepting applications for FY 2005-06 Heritage Park Program grants. The deadline for applications is May 20.

It is the intent of the Program to create a system of State designated Heritage Areas that preserve and interpret the significant contributions that various regions of this Commonwealth have made to the rich heritage of Pennsylvania and the United States.

The historic, cultural, natural, scenic and recreational resources within a Heritage Park area are inventoried, preserved, enhanced and promoted as a strategy to enhance regional economic development through the attraction of tourists, creation of new jobs, stimulation of small business growth, and the promotion of public and private investment opportunities.

The Program manual, application forms and additional information about the program can be obtained from Tim Keptner, Chief, Regional Services Division, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Pennsylvania Heritage Parks Program, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 6th Floor, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 8475, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8475, (717) 783-0988.

1/28/2005