September 7, 2022
Harrisburg, September 7, 2022 – Stewards of a popular and still-developing trail system in the Pittsburgh region will be receiving more than $200,000 as part of a historic state investment in conservation and recreation, state Sen. Jim Brewster announced today.
Friends of the Riverfront, the group that oversees development of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail system was awarded the grants by Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
“One of the lessons learned during the pandemic was the critical importance of recreational trails to our health and well-being,” Brewster said. “As part of the recovery, Pennsylvania is making the largest one-time investment in recreation and conservation projects in its history, an investment that will pay off for generations to come.”
The 33-mile Three rivers Heritage Trail is a designated National Recreational Trail system that has segments on both banks of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers that branches into Pittsburgh and local communities.
Friends of the Riverfront will receive a $114,000 grant to coordinate and fund training and technical assistance as well as to build organizational capacity to advance multi-use trail development on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Turtle Creek Connector, Pine Creek Connector and VOPP Trail in Allegheny County.
In addition, the group will receive $90,200 for rehabilitation and further development of Three Rivers Heritage Trail and Great Allegheny Passage in Baldwin Borough. Work will include construction of an observation deck, picnic shelter, and pedestrian walkway as well as making ADA-compliant improvements.
“I’m honored to have supported this important work and help direct part of this record funding to the region,” Brewster said. “I congratulate all the administrators and volunteers whose work made these grants possible.”
In all, Governor Wolf announced a historic investment of $90 million for more than 330 projects across Pennsylvania that will create new recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources, and help revitalize local communities. The investments surpass the previous record of $70 million awarded last year.
November 14, 2019
Harrisburg – November 14, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that recreation and park projects in Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County and Baldwin Borough in Allegheny County have been awarded Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grants totaling nearly $230,000.
“State resources redirected back to help local communities fund park and recreation projects are important and help municipalities in their redevelopment efforts,” Brewster said. “Planning for future recreation and the preservation of open spaces, in addition to developing community parks are excellent uses of DCNR grants.”
- Lower Burrell was awarded $19,000 to prepare a recreation and open space plan for the city;
- Baldwin Borough will receive a $210,000 grant to help rehabilitate and further develop Elm Leaf Park. The project includes renovations, development of parking areas, dugouts, comfort stations, new play equipment in addition to other improvements.
The grants were part of third-round funding for Community Parks and Partnerships.
December 7, 2017
Harrisburg – December 7, 2017 – Four grants totaling more than $275,000 to improve recreational opportunities, preserve green space and rehabilitate community facilities in Lincoln Borough, Brentwood, Duquesne and West Mifflin have been approved by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
“We have to continue to make improving recreation facilities, preserving natural resources and promoting community parks a priority,” Brewster said. “The approval of the state funds for these projects will improve access and help stretch local taxpayer dollars.”
The DCNR funds were approved through the department’s Community Conservation Partnership Program. The projects slated to receive the state grant funds include:
- Allegheny Land Trust for the continued development of the Dead Man’s Hollow trail system in Lincoln Borough ($148,600);
- Duquesne City to prepare a comprehensive recreation and open space plan ($17,800);
- West Mifflin will receive funds to develop a comprehensive recreation and open space plan ($20,000);
- Brentwood Borough to rehabilitate the Brentwood Pool ($100,000).
“Helping communities develop their recreation facilities improves the quality of life and aids in strengthening a municipality,” Brewster said. “We have tremendous natural resources and community amenities.”
The grants were among the 266 projects approved statewide. The department released $44 million in state funding.
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