HARRISBURG – Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) today announced state grants totaling nearly $392,000 to improve local parks have been awarded to the 46th District through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
The grants were funded using natural gas drilling impact fees, not taxpayer dollars.
“While parks offer the opportunity to connect as a family and engage in healthy habits, paying for new equipment and improvements can fall lower on the priority list when communities also need to pay for the upkeep of our roads and other important infrastructure. That’s why the impact fees are so helpful; we can fund projects that would likely be delayed otherwise,” Bartolotta said.
Rices Landing Borough in Greene County will receive $250,000 to improve Pumpkin Run Park. The new, state-of-the-art playground equipment will include modern amenities and be ADA compliant.
Independence Township in Washington County will receive $125,000 to construct a natural surface trail at the Independence Township Community Park, a 41-acre multi-use destination for residents and guests of the township. The trail will begin at the existing parking area and loop around the perimeter of the western portion of the park, returning to the parking lot near the gazebo.
Union Township in Washington County will receive $16,970 for Elrama Central Park. Improvements will include installing ADA-compliant sidewalks and handrailing, playground equipment, swing sets, benches and other park amenities. There are plans to build additional accessibility and mobility features.
The impact fees authorized by Act 13 of 2012 are paid by unconventional gas operators throughout the state.
The CFA is an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development that administers many of Pennsylvania’s economic development and community improvement programs.
CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463