Senate Bill 699 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne), to complete the transfer of Moon Lake Park from Luzerne County to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Tuesday was voted out of the State Government Committee.

Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) worked with senators Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), John Blake (D-Lackawanna) and John Gordner (R-Columbia) and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to introduce Senate Bill 699 that releases the park from the restrictions of the state’s Project 70 Land Acquisition and Borrowing Act.

The Plymouth Township Park was purchased by Luzerne County in 1968, the same year federal and state funds had become available through Project 70.

The bill is the next step in the process that began in January when DCNR signed an initial acceptance agreement with Luzerne County for the transfer and announced that $1 million from the Bureau of Forestry has been earmarked for improvements.

“Working with DCNR, my senate colleagues and our county partners, we have a solid plan to improve Moon Lake. The park will benefit from the state investment to build a new boat ramp and create new trails and trailheads. The funding will also be used to make other improvements that will complete the historic restoration of Moon Lake Park,” said Sen. Yudichak.

“As a lifelong resident of Plymouth Township, I grew up at Moon Lake Park and was lucky to have a beautiful park right in my backyard. Now the families of Luzerne County will once again have the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful natural resource for years to come,” concluded Yudichak.

The bill is now on the Senate Calendar for consideration.

4/20/2015