Burns: $1.2 million in state grants awarded to local outdoor projects

Funds will extend trails, renovate parks, add new playground equipment

EBENSBURG, Sept. 6 – As a tireless promoter of outdoor recreation and tourism, state Rep. Frank Burns today announced more than $1.2 million in state grants have been awarded to several local projects to extend trails, renovate parks, and add playground equipment.

“Earlier this year I made a point of scheduling a meeting with officials from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to talk about the many outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities in our region and see first-hand how these projects are making a difference,” Burns said. “I’m pleased that that meeting is paying dividends, and that the state is continuing to support outdoor projects in our region.”

Locally, the grants announced today include:

  • Ashville Borough, $70,000. Rehabilitation of Ashville Park. Work to include construction of pedestrian walkway and pavilion; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
  • Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority, $1 million. Development of the Ghost Town Trail in Blacklick Township and Nanty Glo Borough, Cambria County. Work to include construction of approximately 1.5 miles of trail from Church Street in Blacklick Township to Springfield Road in Nanty Glo Borough, 2 bridges and stormwater management measures; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements
  • Upper Yoder Township, $148,400. Rehabilitation of Elim Street Playground. Work to include renovation of basketball court; construction of pedestrian walkway, internal loop trail, pavilion and parking area; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

Residents can visit the DCNR website for a complete list of grants by county.

Burns said this latest round of grants was made possible in part by the state budget passed in July, which directed a portion of the state budget surplus toward outdoor recreation without any increases in taxes.

“As a fiscal conservative, I’ve never voted a tax increase -- and I never will,” Burns said. “But if the money is available, then I’ll always advocate for getting to where it will do the most good – either funding projects here in our area, increasing property and rent rebates for seniors on fixed incomes, or making sure our students have the tools, technology and programs they need to succeed.”