Conklin: $224,300 secured for District 77 park and environmental projects
Rep. Scott Conklin November 13, 2024 | 12:55 PM
STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 13 – Two grants totaling $224,300 from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will fund playground improvements for Ferguson Township and the installation of riparian buffers along part of the Susquehanna River Watershed in Centre County, Rep. Scott Conklin announced today.
Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding includes $124,600 to Ferguson Township for improvements to Autumnwood Park.
“The new funding will allow the township to rehab the playground by adding new play equipment, safety surfacing, ADA accessibility and related improvements,” Conklin said. “It’s a great enhancement for a well-loved community gathering place.”
Conklin said a second grant of $99,700 to ClearWater Conservancy of Central PA would fund installation of riparian forest buffers.
“Riparian buffers planted along our waterways help protect water quality by filtering out pesticides and sediment from runoff,” Conklin said. “They also help prevent erosion and benefit wildlife and delicate ecosystems. Thanks to the new funding, ClearWater Conservancy will be able to install six acres of riparian forest buffers to help protect and preserve our precious Susquehanna River Watershed.”
The funding comes from the DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which supports projects to develop new parks, rehabilitate existing spaces and protect vital natural habitats. More information about the program is available here: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Grants/pages/default.aspx
A complete list of funding is available here: https://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=8912068&DocName=2024_C2P2_Fall_Grants_List_Final.pdf