Governor Rendell Announces $12 Million Investment to Protect Natural Resources, Open...

Governor Rendell Announces $12 Million Investment to Protect Natural
Resources, Open Space

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania residents
in 33 counties will benefit from a more than $12 million investment in land
conservation and other projects that are designed to create trails and protect
open space, greenways and the state's natural resources, Governor Edward G.
Rendell said today.

"This investment will fund 68 projects and help preserve 1,111 acres of land
to enhance what we treasure in Pennsylvania: our beautiful fields, forests,
waterways and natural areas," Governor Rendell said. "One of the resources we
will never get any more of is land. That's why it is important that we
protect headwaters and wildlife habitats, expand and enhance existing parks
and open space, and create new opportunities for people to get outside and
enjoy nature.

"These investments work from a regional landscape perspective to bolster our
vision for the health of our families, the vibrancy of our communities, the
strength of our economy and our quality of life in Pennsylvania," the Governor
said.

Funding for the grants comes from the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources' Keystone '93 and Growing Greener I and II programs.

Projects range from $1.25 million to Limerick Township for the purchase of
more of 80 acres in Montgomery County for recreation and open space, to
$10,600 to Freeland Borough in Luzerne County for the acquisition of two acres
next to existing parkland.

"Our local partners -- including municipalities, counties, land trusts and
conservancies -- are critical to our successful efforts to protect our natural
areas," the Governor said. "Our grants help them meet the vision they have
for their communities and regions."

Other projects include:
-- $250,000 to Lehigh County for the Trexler Nature Preserve Environmental
Center;
-- $75,000 to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Educational Television Association
for a Take it Outside television series;
-- $129,900 to Penn State to continue the Keystone Active Zone campaign to
connect people to their local parks and trails to promote health;
-- $100,000 to Elk County for the North Central Greenways and Open Space plan
in the Pennsylvania Wilds region; and
-- $150,000 to Potter County to support the Pennsylvania Wilds Planning Team.

Growing Greener II is a voter-approved, $625 million bond issue that is used
to clean up rivers and streams; protect natural areas, open spaces and working
farms; and shore up key programs to improve quality of life and revitalize
communities across the commonwealth. Growing Greener II includes $90 million
for open space conservation. Growing Greener I is the Environmental
Stewardship Fund created in 1999. Keystone '93 is a DCNR fund generated from a
portion of the realty transfer tax.

For a complete list of grants by county, visit the DCNR Web site at
www.dcnr.state.pa.us and click on "Grants."

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public
education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing
economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out
more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly
newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT:
Christina Novak (DCNR)
717-772-9101

Barry Ciccocioppo
717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Christina Novak of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources, +1-717-772-9101; or Barry Ciccocioppo of the Pennsylvania Office of
the Governor, +1-717-783-1116