Gov. Corbett Monday began a three-day kayak tour through Western Pennsylvania to promote Pennsylvania’s vast natural resources and array of recreational opportunities.

Gov. Corbett will be joined on the water by First Lady Susan Corbett and representatives of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Protection.

“Pennsylvania is a vast state with an abundance of scenic landscapes,” Corbett said. “There are many ways to see Pennsylvania and, for the second year in a row, I will get to experience the beauty of our Commonwealth from our rivers.”

Setting off this morning from Tidioute, Warren County, Corbett will be kayaking down the Allegheny and Conemaugh rivers; visiting Forest, Venango and Warren counties, Johnstown and Pittsburgh. Throughout the trip, the governor will be spending time on water as well as on land touring several Pennsylvania parks and historic sites.

“Preserving our natural resources for generations to come is critical to the growth of our commonwealth. Not only do they support a high quality of life for our residents, but they support the continued success of Pennsylvania’s tourism industry,” Corbett said.

Gov. Corbett will also visit parks and historic sites in the region to see the successful partnership of preservation and economic growth. Pennsylvania parks are more popular than ever as an affordable destination and outdoor recreation option.

“Every dollar in state money we invest in our award-winning state park system generates $12 in local economic activity that helps communities prosper and maintain jobs,” said Corbett. “Businesses such as outfitters, bike shops, B & Bs and restaurants all crop up to support the visitors to our parks.”

In addition to DCNR and DEP, the governor will be joined throughout the trip by representatives from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the  Fish and Boat Commission and various local tourism and recreation groups.

For more information about state parks, visit the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website and to find historic sites across the state, visit the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission online.

NewsClip: Corbett Flaunts Western PA Recreation

7/30/2012