PPL Corporation will transfer about 3,500 acres of company-owned land to the Lancaster County Conservancy along the lower Susquehanna River as part of a broad public-private initiative that will preserve and protect this valuable land while enhancing its benefits.

The company will sell the land for $5 million to the Conservancy, then donate the $5 million to the new owner as part of a sustainable endowment fund that will be used to maintain and enhance the land for public enjoyment. PPL also will provide additional ongoing support to the endowment fund.

The majority of the money being paid to PPL for the land will come from the Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The land is in Lancaster and York counties near PPL's Holtwood hydroelectric plant. It will be managed by a coalition led by the Lancaster County Conservancy. Other partners key to making the project happen include the Lancaster York Heritage Region, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, The Conservation Fund, and the counties of Lancaster and York.

"As a corporation, PPL has a strong commitment to the environment and to the communities where we do business," said William H. Spence, PPL's xecutive vice president and chief operating officer. "We're pleased to play a key role in making sure this beautiful land will be preserved and will always be available for public use and enjoyment."

"The Susquehanna River is a terrific source of recreational opportunities that allow Pennsylvanians and visitors alike to get outdoors, be active and appreciate its natural beauty," DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said. "This land transfer will protect a great regional asset that is important to the stewardship of our natural resources, a thriving economy, tourism and quality of life in an area facing growing development pressure."

"The Lancaster County Conservancy currently has over 3,340 acres already under protection, which leaves us well-positioned to manage these additional PPL lands, protecting wildlife habitats and ecosystems for the continued use and enjoyment of the public for recreation and study," said Ralph H. Goodno, president and chief executive officer of the Lancaster County Conservancy. "We are extremely grateful to both Lancaster and York counties for their financial support of this important project. We are also grateful for the high value attributed to conservation by our communities, who understand how directly the protection of natural lands and resources impacts our quality of life."

"This partnership is a historic opportunity to conserve and celebrate our region's most spectacular natural lands and recreation areas and bring new economic benefits to our communities through heritage and outdoor tourism," said Mark Platts, president of the Lancaster-York Heritage Region. "These lands and facilities are key attractions along the 400-mile-long Susquehanna River Water Trail, and their permanent preservation helps build the Susquehanna Greenway as a special place for the public to use and enjoy and to treasure always."

"Protecting these unique lands ensures that current and future generations will be able to enjoy the rich history, world-class waterway and many recreational opportunities of the Susquehanna River," said Larry Selzer, president and chief executive officer of The Conservation Fund. "We applaud PPL for its vision and leadership and are proud to have been a part of this remarkable partnership that continues the region's legacy of conservation."

The agreement requires the approval of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which regulates PPL's operation of the Holtwood hydroelectric plant. PPL will enter into a long-term lease-back from the owner to maintain and operate the public recreation facilities on the land, including two campgrounds and other facilities, in cooperation with the partners.

The Holtwood plant has been producing clean, reliable hydroelectric energy for nearly a century. Since 2005, PPL has been considering an expansion of the plant, including improvements to the migratory fish passage facility and construction of a new 125-megawatt hydroelectric generating plant adjacent to the existing plant along the Lancaster County shore. A final decision on whether to pursue this expansion is expected soon.

NewsClip: Sweeping Land Deal Will Keep Susquehanna River Gorge Green

12/14/2007