Funding for Parks: Grant Applications Due in April
DCNR currently has an open round for grant applications for funds to acquire, plan and develop parks and trails. The deadline is April 16 by 4:00pm. Pashek Associates is helping Independence Township, Washington County, Fox Chapel Borough, Pine Township and Beaver County to prepare grant requests. The program is largely a 50-50 match with cash or in-kind services being acceptable matches. You can check the grant program out by going to http://www.dcnr.state.pa/brc/grants.
Generally, to complete an application on the eGrants system, you will need:
• An accurate cost estimate
• Secured matching funds or in-kind services
• PNDI receipt
• Scope of Work if you are applying for planning grants
• Appraisal if you are applying for an acquisition grant
• Site development drawing for development grants
• Project narrative that describes the request
• Letters from municipality/county acknowledging the project
• Resolution from elected officials if a municipal/county grant
• Letters of support from local elected officials, partnering agencies and other stakeholders
Let us know if we can be of any help with your application for parks and trail development.
Looking ahead, the grant opportunity created by Act 13 money for parks and recreation projects by DCED, is usually due in July.
B2CI Trail Plan leads to $611,000 NYS DOT Grant
Governor Cuomo’s recent announcement $67 million in funding for bicycle, pedestrian and multi-use path enhancement projects, includes $611,000 to implement the first phase of the Barcelona Harbor to Chautauqua Institution Trail. This 1.5 mile section of trail will extend from Lakeside Park to East Chautauqua Street in Mayville.
During the Chautauqua County Greenway Planning process, completed by Pashek Associates in April 2012, stakeholders envisioned the proposed trail. As a result, the County funded a trail feasibility study to determine if the proposal was viable. In that recently completed study, the Lakewood Park to Mayville portion of trail was identified by Pashek Associates as a demonstration project because of its high visibility.
John Buerkle said “We hope the implementation of a high quality trail experience through this portion of the proposed trail corridor will build support for extending it further, to Barcelona Harbor to the north, and Chautauqua Institution to the south. Once completed, the trail will have a positive impact to the businesses in Mayville, Westfield and Barcelona that provide the goods and services that visitors to the trail will seek. The first section of trail is typically the most difficult to get on the ground. Typically once local residents experience what a trail has to offer, momentum builds for extending it.”
The Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Economic Development, Pashek Associates and the County Department of Public Facilities worked collaboratively in preparing the application, with the County of Public Facilities leading the way.
Off-road and on to Adventure
Northumberland County is on its way to fulfilling the vision of creating a world class off highway vehicle and recreation area. Off-roading enthusiasts will have a new destination in Pennsylvania when the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) opens in Northumberland County in late fall 2013. The recreation area will welcome all types of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) to trails that provide a range of experiences for riders of different skill levels. The site also will accommodate non-motorized recreation such as horseback riding, bicycling, hiking and rock climbing.
AOAA lands, which are owned by the county, run about 13 miles east-to-west and amount to about 6,500 acres. Much of the land encompasses old coal mines, some of which are being reclaimed, and the kinds of landforms that attract people with all-terrain vehicles, off-road vehicles, utility ATVs and off-highway motorcycles. Eventually, the site will include campgrounds, a vehicle washing station, picnic areas and other amenities that will make the adventure area a travel destination for off-roaders from Pennsylvania and beyond.
The AOAA so far has received these major grants to get the project under way:
- $1.9 million from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Program to plan and begin developing the project.
- $300,000 from the federal Appalachian Regional Commission to construct an access road.
- $30,000 from vehicle manufacturers for maps and signage and for trail development.
- $1.2 million from the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation to remediate hazards.
- Valley Forge Trail Riders Hare Scramble, May 11-12, 2013
- 2nd Annual Coal Mountain Jeep Jamboree, Aug. 1-3, 2013
Pashek Associates Clients Receive over $3 million in DCNR Grants
This week PA DCNR announced the agencies and projects that will receive funding through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program. Pashek Associates assisted clients in obtaining over $3.2 million in funding this grant cycle. This funding will result in over $4.7 million dollars in investments for recreation, parks, trails, greenway, and OHV facility development. We congratulate our clients and look forward to assisting you in implementing your visions!
Client – Grant Amount