HARRISBURG - The Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA), Claude Kehler Community Park and a Coal Township playground are among the projects slated to receive more than $1 million in state funding through the Community Conservation Partnership Program (CCPP), state Sen. John Gordner (R-27) announced Wednesday.
"Each will allow for continued expansion of recreational opportunities in our region," Gordner was quoted in a press release issued by his office.
The projects, including a fourth for the county, are:
- A $788,000 Department of Conservation of Natural Resources (DCNR) grant for further development of the AOAA, including the construction of additional parking areas, event areas, picnic areas and trail access for all users in an area about a 1/2 mile east of the main trailhead, near Route 125 south of Burnside.
"This is fantastic news for Northumberland County, the AOAA authority and the entire region," authority member Jim Backes said Wednesday at the AOAA property. "We (the authority) cannot thank our state and county legislators enough for their support with this project, especially our county commissioners, Sen. John Gordner, and Reps. Kurt Masser and Lynda Schlegel Culver."
The latest round of financial support follows $575,000 awarded to the AOAA last month by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Marcellus Legacy Funds. Those grants will fund $222,000 for mountain bike trail development and $353,000 for stream improvements to Carbon Run that drains a significant portion of AOAA lands, which in turn drains into the Shamokin Creek at Claude Kehler Community Park.
Other grants are:
- A $250,000 grant for Shamokin for further development of Claude Kehler park, including pavilion construction, community gardens, pedestrian walkways and parking.
- A $100,500 grant for Coal Township for rehabilitation of the Arch Street Playground, including pavilion construction, installation of play equipment and safety surfacing and ADA access.
- A $96,000 grant for Northumberland for development of a riverfront trail and related site improvements.
Gordner thanked state Masser (R-107) for his support of the AOAA project.
"The AOAA is important for the continued growth of our region," Masser was quoted in Wednesday's release. "It has been able to attract national events to Northumberland County and will continue to do so with this project funding."
Funding is provided through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program of DCNR resources, a competitive program which provides grants through previous bond issues and through portions of recreational vehicle registration fees.