Klunk, Grove, Phillips-Hill Announce Nearly $340,000 in Recreational Grants for the Spring Grove Area
HARRISBURG – Reps. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover) and Seth Grove (R-Dover) and Sen.-elect Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York Township) announced $336,800 in Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants from the state Department of Conservation (CCPP) and Natural Resources (DCNR) have been awarded to expand the Hanover Trolley Trail and to improve a Spring Grove park.
“This funding will improve recreational opportunities for area residents and all residents of York County and beyond,” Klunk said. “Specifically, funding for the Hanover Trolley Trail is one of the puzzle pieces to connect the entire trail.”
York County Rail Trail Authority will receive $181,800 to be used toward the acquisition of more than 48 acres in Heidelberg, Jackson, and North Codorus townships and Spring Grove. Once purchased, an approximately 8.45-mile trail will be laid to connect the two ends of the existing Hanover Trolley Trail.
“The Hanover Trolley Trail is a treasure for outdoor enthusiasts and allows trail users to learn more about York County’s history,” Phillips-Hill said. “The grant will help the York County Rail Trail Authority expand this great recreational asset.”
The grant covers half the cost to purchase an 8.45-mile stretch of dormant rail line from the Genesee Wyoming/York Railway Corporation. Currently, the trail consists of two sections – a 2-mile trail in Hanover and Penn Township and a 2-mile section in Spring Grove and Jackson Township. The authority is expected to finalize the purchase of the line in mid to late 2019.
“The rail line provides a very favorable alternate alignment for development of the Hanover Trolley Trail and greatly increases local public support for extending the existing sections of the Hanover Trolley Trail,” said Gwen Loose, executive director of the York County Rail Trail Authority. “This dormant rail line would connect the two completed sections and offer opportunities to expand toward Bair in West Manchester Township.”
Also, as part of the grant announcement, Spring Grove will receive $155,000 to further develop Spring Grove Community Park. Work as part of this project includes the construction of pedestrian walkways, a comfort station and stormwater management measures; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, shade structure and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
“This park is enjoyed by many area residents from beyond Spring Grove,” Grove said. “These much-needed improvements will ensure the park is a recreational destination for years to come.”
The CCPP grant program is administered by DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation to provide financial and technical assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts, and other nonprofits. Funding is used for planning, acquisition and development of parks, recreation, conservation and greenway projects.
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com