HONESDALE – Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) and Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne/Pike/Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) announced that Susquehanna and Wayne counties will be awarded more than $1.1 million in Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for local recreational development projects.
“Our parks and trails serve a pivotal role in our communities today, especially in current times, as residents and visitors alike seek the outdoors. Time spent outside and away from the computer, television or other electronic devices is extremely helpful in order to restore mental wellness and remind ourselves that life is good.” said Fritz. “A lot of advocacy for this much needed funding came from our local and state officials, and I am extremely pleased that our counties will benefit from these economic and environmental investments.”
“Northeastern Pennsylvania is home to some of the best recreational opportunities and outdoor spaces across the Commonwealth,” said Baker. “These worthwhile projects were chosen, in large part, thanks to the advocacy efforts of local township, borough and county leaders. Over the past few years, we have seen families of all ages, embracing opportunities to spend more time outdoors. It is very exciting that such substantial state investments are being made, which will benefit members of our community, as well as visitors to our region.”
The breakdown of the state grants is as follows:
Susquehanna/Wayne/Lackawanna counties
Northeast PA Snow Trails, Inc. received $54,000 for the purchase of equipment to construct and maintain approximately 250 miles of snowmobile trails within the northeast Pennsylvania Snow Trails system in Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wayne counties.
Susquehanna and Wayne counties
Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Inc. received $500,000 for the development of the D&H Rail-Trail in Harmony and Thompson townships in Susquehanna County and Starrucca Borough in Wayne County. The work will include construction of approximately 1.8 miles of trail from Melrose Road in Harmony Township to Township Road 671 in Thompson Township, trailhead and stormwater management measures; ADA access; landscaping; project sign; and other related site improvements.
Susquehanna County
Susquehanna Depot Borough received $153,000 for the restoration of the North Branch Susquehanna River. The work will include dam removal; landscaping; project sign; and other related site improvements.
Wayne County
Wayne County received $250,000 for the development of Industrial Point River Access Park along the Lackawaxen River in Honesdale Borough. The work will include construction of a boat launch, comfort station, pavilion, pedestrian walkway, parking area; ADA access; landscaping; project sign; and other related site improvements.
Wayne County received $158,000 for the development of White Mills River Access Park along the Lackawaxen River in Texas Township. The work will include construction of a boat launch, fishing pier, comfort station, parking area; ADA access; landscaping; project sign; and other related site improvements.
C2P2 grants were created to promote conservation and recreation-focused projects and programs. They are awarded to municipalities and authorized nonprofit organizations for recreation, park and conservation projects.
These include the rehabilitation and new development of parks and recreation facilities (development projects); acquisition of land for active or passive park and conservation purposes (acquisition projects); and planning for feasibility studies, trails studies, conservation plans, site development planning, and comprehensive recreation, greenway and open space planning .