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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Keith McCall |
  
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McCall, East Penn Township announce nearly $112,000 in recreation grants
LEHIGHTON, Sept. 11 – State Rep. Keith McCall, D-Carbon, was joined by officials from East Penn Township to announce two grants totaling $111,920 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to help defray the cost of improving the Riverview Park Boat Ramp, including the building of a pavilion and picnic area, and creating a link to the Delaware and Lehigh "rail to trail" recreation area.
"When we improved Route 248 we also took away the connection to the rail trail for East Penn Township's residents and the other outdoor sports enthusiasts of the area," McCall said. "Now, with this grant funding, we can restore that link, as well as make it easier for our anglers and kayakers to get on the Lehigh River, and give families a place to relax by the water. I was proud to work with the East Penn officials and our Carbon County commissioners to bring this funding home, and this is just the first piece of good news for the area."
"Without the hard work and extra effort put forth by Representative McCall and his staff, this park would not have been possible," East Penn Township Supervisor William Schwab said. "As a result of funding that he helped guide through the state, East Penn Township is able to preserve the natural resource of the Lehigh River at the same time as improving the quality of life in the area. One only has to come to the park any day of the week and see people using it to appreciate the hard work that went into this project."
The first grant of $47,920 will provide trail access through Lehigh and Carbon counties, provide a safe trail to historical sites along the former towpath and provide additional outdoor recreation outlets for the township. The second grant of $64,000 will go to additional improvements at the boat launch and the construction of pavilions. The combined funding will allow the township to match existing state grants already slated for the projects.
To find out more about DCED and the programs available to help municipalities, visit the department online at www.newpa.com.
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