Eight local organizations have been awarded state funding for projects to protect the environment and enhance recreational opportunities for area residents, according to Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35). Langerholc said the grants were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) under its Watershed and Restoration Program and Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.
“I am pleased that tax dollars are returning to our communities to help fund these important projects,” Langerholc said. “These grants will help restore and protect our waterways, protect our environment, enhance recreation opportunities and improve the quality of life for area residents.”
The Central Mainline Sewer Authority was awarded a $60,000 state grant for a stream bank stabilization project along Jefferson Street in Washington Township, Cambria County. The grant will be used to rehabilitate approximately 126 feet of a severely eroded stream bank of the Little Conemaugh River and properly bury an exposed section of its sanitary sewer conveyance line that has been unearthed over time due to erosion. The total project cost is $73,600.
Seven organizations received funding for greenways, trails including Portage Borough, which will use its $499,800 grant for improvements and repairs to the Trout Run Flood Protection project. The borough is proposing to restore the stream bank stability and flood-carrying capacity of portions of the Portage Flood Protection Project on Trout Run. The project will involve replacement of the failed portion of the crib wall, protection of exposed footing areas in multiple areas, removal of gravel bars, and repair of settled ground surface areas behind the crib wall.
The Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority in Ebensburg was awarded $244,375 to design a bike and pedestrian link to multiple trails located in the City of Johnstown.
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy received $13,725 for the acquisition of 18.87 acres of forestland to expand the Sideling Hill Creek Natural Area located in Mann Township, Bedford County. The acquisition would increase the total acreage of Sideling Hill Creek Conservation Area to approximately 376 acres.
The City of Johnstown will use its grant of $100,000 for improvements to Roxbury Park to address maintenance and safety concerns. Phase II improvements to the park will consist of the installation of upgraded equipment and facilities at the park’s integrated playground, new surface base materials to replace the existing worn surface, repairs to dugouts and stormwater drainage improvements on and around multiple baseball and softball fields.
Gallitzin Borough, Cambria County, received $70,616 for multi-phase improvements to the Galitzin Athletic Park. The project includes the installation of a walking trail extension to the upper parking lot, restroom facility, concession stand, park benches, picnic tables and rehabilitation of existing bleachers and trash receptacles.
Adams Township Boys League Inc. in Salix was awarded $45,000 to assist with the expansion of the Adams Township Recreation Park. The project will include installation of a multi-function playground structure, a swing set, and two concrete ADA parking spaces that will connect to the park by installing a crushed limestone trail.
Washington Township received $247,350 for improvements to the Memorial Park Trail in Washington Township, Cambria County. The township intends to enhance safety of the existing trail by adding light fixtures to each road crossing, extending the trail another mile and a half, and constructing two new bridges to cross over Bear Rock Run. The project will also include planting shade trees along the existing trail and adding a new vegetation layer that will aid in mitigating storm water runoff. This area will then be converted to multi-use sports fields.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.
CONTACT: Gwenn Dando (717) 787-5400 or gdando@pasen.gov