Gov. Tom Corbett Tuesday announced an investment of $26.5 million for 198 projects across Pennsylvania that will revitalize communities, create new recreational opportunities, and conserve natural resources.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will begin accepting applications for the 2013 round of Community Conservation Partnership Grants on January 9.  The deadline for applications is April 10.

“Our parks are among the things that tie us all together – a place to meet for leisure, for entertainment, for recreation and for tourism,” Corbett said.

The governor made the announcement at Coleman Memorial Park in Lebanon, where he was joined by Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon), Rep. Mauree Gingrich (R-Lebanon) and Lebanon City Mayor Sherry Capello.

The City of Lebanon is receiving a $225,000 grant for the park to fund projects to: eliminate the asphalt at the existing amphitheater and collect storm water there to use as irrigation on the nearby playing fields; create a new playground area for different age groups with safety surfacing; renovate the entrance; and create a pedestrian walkway with solar lighting.

“Many of the projects being funded – improvements to local parks, trails and river access – bring these amenities closer to home, requiring less driving and expense to experience,” Corbett said.

 The grants fall under the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program. Funding comes from the Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the ATV/ Snowmobile Fund generated through fees for licenses; and federal monies.

“This $26.5 million investment will leverage $43.2 million in local, county and private investments, giving every state dollar more power for the public good,” Corbett continued.

The grants will support a variety of proposals, including: 49 trail projects; protecting 3,238 acres of open space; and 79 projects to develop or rehabilitate recreation, park and conservation areas and facilities.

Some funded projects include:

-- Rehabilitation and further development of Mohn Street Intergenerational Park in Steelton Borough, Dauphin County;

-- Rehabilitation of the Beechwood Avenue Playground in Wheatland Borough, Mercer County;

-- More than a mile of trail and a pedestrian bridge to be added connecting the Doylestown Bike and Hike System to the Peace Valley Trail in Bucks County;

-- A groomer for Tri-County Snow Blazers to maintain 20-miles of snowmobile trails in Crawford, Erie and Warren counties; and

-- Approximately 140 acres in Richland Township, Allegheny County, to be conserved for recreation and headwater protection.

More than $2.3 million is being provided to Heritage Areas for projects including: closing key gaps on the Delaware & Lehigh Trail; further development of the Lincoln Highway Experience Museum and Visitors Center; and strengthening the Lumber Heritage Region Civilian Conservation Corps legacy organization.

A list of projects funded is available online.

For more information, visit DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program webpage.

11/26/2012