Greenways Program Receives New Round Of Funding

Another $300,000 grant will help to sustain the Northcentral Pennsylvania Greenways program. Funds come from the voter-approved Growing Greener initiative. Greenways are focused on two areas: 1.) human activity on a network of trails, and 2.) areas with sensitive natural components such as flood plains, hydric soils (swampy areas that hold water and serve as recharge zones), and exceptional value streams. The regional plan supports economic development and tourism, conservation of natural resources, and improved recreational opportunities. It could also help landowners recognize environmentally sensitive areas worthy of preservation during lease agreements for natural gas drilling.

Until the most recent funding was approved, a trail in Jefferson County was the only project receiving support in the six-county region, Austin’s Dam Trail and the Pine Creek Trail Extension near Galeton have been identified as top priorities in the plan. Among other regional priorities are:

• Triple Divide/Genesee River Wilds Corridor;
• Allegheny Trail, from Wharton south into Cameron County;
• Port Allegany to Coudersport trail, paralleling Rt. 6;
• Norfolk Southern trail along the rail corridor into Cameron County and Emporium;
• Coudersport to Shinglehouse trail, following the former railroad bed;
• North Border Trail, from the Triple Divide to Genesee and on to the Buffalo and Rochester areas through the Genesee River Wilds corridor;
• Ulysses Trail, from Tioga County to Ulysses, heading south to converge with a number of trails in the Triple Divide area;
• Genesee to Coneville, which will connect to the Coudersport to Shinglehouse trail.

Northcentral Pa. Regional Planning and Development Commission is administering the Greenways program in cooperation with local officials. More information is available at 814-773-3162.