MUSTO: $351,700 GRANT TO LUZERNE AND MONROE COUNTIES

          LUZERNE, June 20 – State Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne/Carbon/Monroe) announced today that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has awarded projects in Luzerne and Monroe counties a total of $351,700 in funds through their Community Conservation Partnerships Program (CCPP).

          “These grants will fund projects that will have a lasting and positive impact on the environment and quality of our community,” Musto said.  “I am so pleased that DCNR has recognized the importance of preservation and environmental education projects such as these and I look forward to their completion.”

          The following projects will receive funding through the CCPP program:

          The Nature Conservancy in Monroe County will receive $300,000 for acquisition of 69 acres on Cherry Lane Road, Pocono Township for wetland preservation and environmental education.

          In Luzerne County, the Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership will receive $35,000 for development of a master plan for 29 miles of the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails, from Ashmore Road to the Lehigh River area.

          The Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership will also receive $16,700 for development of the Greater Hazleton Area Rail-Trail.  Musto said development projects will include installation of pavement at trailhead parking lot, fitness stations, landscaping, signs, and other improvements.

          The CCPP program is administered by DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation to provide financial and technical assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts, and other nonprofits for the planning, acquisition and development of park, recreation, conservation and greenways projects.