West Central PA News

The Indiana County Conservation District has been awarded over $200,000 from Pennsylvania's Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, thanks to the impact fee on unconventional natural gas wells. The grant funding was approved at the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) meeting on January 16, 2024. The funds will be used for trail improvements with the Canopy Walk Development Project and a community amphitheater at the Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC) Nature Area in White Township.

Sen. Joe Pittman and Rep. Jim Struzzi have both expressed their excitement and support for this funding. Sen. Pittman stated, "This improvement project undertaken by the Indiana County Conservation District and ICTC will be an asset to our local community, and I'm very pleased to have advocated for this state funding." Rep. Struzzi added, "These funds will help grow the educational opportunities and experiences offered by the conservation district while enhancing the overall site that houses the district, Westmoreland Community College, and the Indiana County Technology Center."

Douglas Beri Jr., the Executive Director of the Indiana Conservation District, emphasized the importance of this funding for their project. He said, "This funding is critical to the completion of our project and will be used to match an existing $90,000 grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)." He also highlighted the collaboration between the District and ICTC, where students enrolled in the carpentry program will help build portions of the trail as part of their education. Beri Jr. added, "The canopy walk portion of the project will make this the first and only canopy walk in Western Pennsylvania."

The impact fees, levied in addition to regular business taxes, were established in Act 13 of 2012 to ensure communities affected by drilling receive their fair share of funding. These disbursements are authorized by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through various state programs, supporting projects such as road and bridge repairs, housing, and other infrastructure needs.

This funding is a significant boost for the Indiana County Conservation District and will contribute to the development of a unique trail and nature area in White Township. With the combined efforts of the conservation district, ICTC, and the support of state funding, this project will provide valuable educational opportunities, enhance the community's recreational facilities, and preserve the natural beauty of the area.

For media inquiries, please contact Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman) or Scott Little (Rep. Struzzi).