Harrisburg – Jan. 29, 2016 – Four grants for projects designed to improve recreational opportunities in the Allegheny and Westmoreland County portions of state Sen. Jim Brewster’s (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) district were awarded by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the senator said today.

The grants, with a total value in excess of $750,000, are related to the development of the Youghiogheny River Trail located in Elizabeth Township and Lincoln Borough in Allegheny County and the Westmoreland Heritage Trail which runs from Monroeville through the Westmoreland County communities of Trafford, Penn Township and Murrysville.

Funds were also approved for improved access and expansion of the Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area in Allegheny County.

“Continued development of recreational areas, improving access to open space and constructing trails that connect people and communities are investments that will pay dividends for generations to come,” Brewster said. “The grants will be put to excellent use and greatly enhance the preservation of natural resources while promoting community development.”

The grants were awarded under DCNR’s Community Conservations Partnership Program.

Brewster said that two grants were approved for the Allegheny Land Trust to improve access and expand Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area in Elizabeth Township and Lincoln Borough. The first grant of $13,400 is for open space and access to the site. The second grant of $20,400 will be used as a payment toward acquisition of 7.75 acres.

The Regional Trail Corporation has been awarded $247,900 for the rehabilitation of the Youghiogheny River Trail in Elizabeth Township and Lincoln Borough. An estimated 11.2 miles of the trail is involved in the project and the refurbishment includes landscaping, ADA access and signage.

A $500,000 grant was also awarded for further development of the Westmoreland Heritage Trail that runs through Monroeville in Allegheny County through Trafford, Penn Township and Murrysville in Westmoreland. The project involves construction, landscaping, signage and site improvements along a 5.6 mile trail from B-Y Park in Trafford to Roberts Parcel in Murrysville.

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