KASUNIC ANNOUNCES STATE GRANT FOR CONNELLSVILLE

HARRISBURG, April 11 – State Senator Richard A. Kasunic today announced that Connellsville would receive a state Community Conservation Partnership Program (CCPP) grant totaling $100,000 to begin the development for improvements to the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP).

            Kasunic said the funds would be used to prepare a development plan to move approximately two miles of the GAP that runs through Connellsville City.

“The development of a site plan is a critical first step in ensuring that the vision of the trail coinciding with the planned Stewart’s Crossing Park come to a reality,” Kasunic said.    

Kasunic said that the trail now runs through the middle of Connellsville.  The new plan calls for moving the trail closer to the Youghiogheny River, while ensuring better access to the community and surrounding businesses.

            “The Great Allegheny Passage is not only a tremendous attraction for bicycling, hiking and outdoors enthusiasts, it also offers the city of Connellsville an opportunity to build on a positive economic stimulus,” Kasunic said.  

 The CCPP is administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and is comprised of the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Growing Greener Bond Fund and several federal funding sources.

            More information can be found at: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us.