Burns: $451,900 grant to help with Laurel Ridge recreation access road project
Burns previously worked with local residents to save area from windfarm
Rep. Frank Burns April 21, 2021 | 11:08 AM
EBENSBURG, April 21 – Leveraging state investment to open-up a 62-acre recreation area, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today said a project to provide public access to the Laurel Ridge has been selected to receive a $451,900 state grant.
The grant will allow for the construction of an access road and turnaround off state Route 271, near where Upper Yoder Township and Westmont Borough own property. The improvement will allow the public to access the area by buses and provide travelers on Route 271 a safe place to turn around.
Burns was heavily involved in efforts to save the ridge from a large windmill development several years ago.
“During that effort, people in Upper Yoder Township explained to me what the ridge means to them, and the pride they have in preserving the natural beauty while embracing the recreation possibilities on the Laure Ridge -- they wanted more than windmills,” Burns said. “This grant will allow for off-road access to the adjacent recreational areas and also provide appropriate parking areas to accommodate all types of users, including buses, snowmobilers, hikers, bicyclists and equestrian riders.”
Over the last several years Burns has helped secure a number of grants for outdoor recreation and highway projects, part of the more than $250 million in state and federal funding he has brought back to the district since taking office.
As a fiscal conservative, Burns has always lobbied for smart investments that pay long-term dividends, part of his commitment to the people he represents.
“My job is to listen to the needs of the community and fight for their priorities. Upper Yoder Township was clear that they want a community that is connected in a physical way to our incredible public resources,” Burns said. “This is a first step and I look forward to working with them and helping them in any way possible to continue to grow our outdoor recreational opportunities.”