Pennsylvania Governor Announces $3 Million for PA Trails

May 25, 2002
news release of the PA DCNR

As part of Pennsylvania Hiking Trails Week, Gov. Mark Schweiker today announced more than $3 million in grants for the planning, acquisition, construction and maintenance of more than 295 miles of rail-trails and recreational trails in 22 Pennsylvania counties.

Gov. Schweiker and his family also marked the occasion by leading a two- mile hike through Michaux State Forest near Mount Holly Springs, Cumberland County. The hike was one of more than 100 organized hikes throughout Pennsylvania during Hiking Trails Week.

"Pennsylvania is a national leader in trail and greenway initiatives," Gov. Schweiker said. "Over the last seven years, we have provided the funding and technical assistance to spark development of what is now one of the finest networks of trails in the nation.

"From the 100 continuous miles of the Great Allegheny Passage in southwestern Pennsylvania to the trail network within Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in northeastern Pennsylvania, our trails represent the hard work of many enthusiasts in small towns, cities and rural communities all across the state. These dedicated individuals and groups are responsible for building a trail movement that will be critical in the development of our statewide greenways plan."

The Commonwealth is currently working on the implementation of a comprehensive 20-year greenways plan, unveiled last summer. "Pennsylvania Greenways: An Action Plan for Creating Connections" outlines steps for developing a network of greenways, connecting corridors of open space, natural landscape features and recreational sites statewide.

Approximately $2 million of today's funding goes to 19 projects for rail- trails, or abandoned railroad beds converted for trail uses. The remaining $1 million will fund 17 projects through the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program, a federally funded program that supports both motorized and non- motorized trail development.

Both programs are administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnership Program -- a grant and technical-assistance initiative that helps communities and nonprofit organizations conserve natural and cultural resources, provide outdoor recreation, enhance tourism, and foster community and economic development.

Pennsylvania is No. 1 in the nation for the number of rail-trails with 116 open trails, according to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Pennsylvania office.

During the Ridge-Schweiker Administration, Pennsylvania has nearly tripled the number of miles of rail-trails -- from 432 in 1995 to 1,121. Pennsylvania also ranks first in the nation for the number of rail-trails under development.

The Rails-to-Trails Program uses funding from the Keystone Recreation Park and Conservation Fund and "Growing Greener," the six-year, $650 million environmental spending package signed into law in 1999. Rail-trail grants provide up to 50 percent of funding for the planning, acquisition and development of rail-trail corridors for recreational uses such as hiking, biking, jogging and cross-country skiing.

The Pennsylvania Recreational Trails grants receive funding from the Federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). The grants provide funding to maintain, improve and restore existing trails; develop trailhead facilities; construct new trails; purchase and lease equipment needed to maintain trails; and provide educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection related to trails.

Funding supports both motorized and non-motorized recreation, including biking, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, snowmobiling, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding, cross-country skiing, four-wheel driving, off-road motorcycling, aquatic activities, and increased opportunities for people with disabilities.

The grant program provides up to 80 percent of the project's cost, with the applicant providing the remaining 20 percent.

In Allegheny County the Student Conservation Association Inc. is granted $49,400 to provide high school-aged students and one college intern as work crews for the North Country Trails Conservation Challenge at Moraine and McConnell's Mill state parks.