Governor Rendell Announces Investment of $1.2 Million for 10 Community Improvement Projects

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ten community improvement projects in eight counties will be completed while young workers enhance job skills through the investment of $1.2 million in Pennsylvania Conservation Corps, or PCC, projects Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today. The new projects will be completed between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011.

"These projects provide hands-on training for young workers who are eager to learn," Governor Rendell said. "Their service benefits residents and communities across the state, and they should be proud of their work and their lasting contribution to making a better Pennsylvania today – and for generations to come."

Established in 1984, the PCC is one of the largest statewide conservation corps in the nation and has provided nearly 15,000 young people with jobs, career and technical training and educational funding.    

Projects range from erosion control to wildlife-habitat improvement, trail restoration and the construction of community facilities, such as pavilions, playgrounds and athletic fields. Each project will employ a five-member PCC crew and one crew leader.

For more information about the PCC, including how to become a corps member or crew leader, visit www.dli.state.pa.us, click "Community Services/Volunteerism" in the left navigational area.

Media contacts:

Gary Tuma, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116

Sarah Cassin, Dept. of Labor & Industry; 717-787-7530

Editor's Note: Following is a list of the 10 PCC projects that begin in July, including the grant recipient, project location and description:

Armstrong County

Elderton Borough — Elderton/Plumcreek Area Park — $127,000 – Corps members will construct a storage building; improve a pavilion, trails, fencing, a tennis court and a street hockey court; assemble picnic tables and benches; and landscape.

Ford City Borough — Ford City Park, Fort Run Park, Joe Malec Park, Boulder Park, Ford City Trail, River Trail, Ford City Borough Office, and Ford City Borough Maintenance Facility — $127,000 – Corps members will develop a restroom; construct a pavilion; renovate buildings; install benches, a walkway and fencing; and landscape.

Butler County

Butler County — Alameda County Park — $127,000 – Corps members will renovate pavilions, playgrounds and an office; develop a picnic area and trails; control erosion; and improve timber stands.

Butler County — Alameda County Park, Mars Borough Playground, Chicora Borough Community Park, Middlesex Township Community Park, and Prospect Boys and Girls Club — $112,000 – Corps members will renovate playgrounds, a ball field, a pavilion and a maintenance garage; improve accessibility; control erosion; develop trails; and improve timber stands.

Carbon County

Carbon County — Mauch Chunk Lake Park — $127,000 – Corps members will construct an amphitheater and canoe racks; renovate restrooms and shower facilities; and improve drainage.

Franklin County

Tuscarora School District — Conococheague Institute — $123,703 – Corps members will disassemble, move and reconstruct a historic cabin; build wheelchair ramps and a wildlife observation platform; and rebuild a historic summer kitchen.

Huntingdon County

Huntingdon County — Raystown Lake — $112,000 – Corps members will construct foot bridges and trail shelters; improve a picnic area; renovate a sewage treatment plant; set up disabled hunter blinds; improve trails and timber stands; and plant trees.

Montour County

Montour Area Recreation Commission — Hess Field, Robbins Trail, Danville Waterfront Park, Danville Area Recreation Center, and Susquehanna Greenways Trail — $127,000 – Corps members will develop a storage/shop facility; construct a kiosk; renovate a storage building; improve trails and a mountain bike skills park; and clear invasive species.

Northumberland County

Northumberland Borough — 2nd Street Community Center and Police Station — $127,000 – Corps members will renovate a community center; construct a storage shed and a pavilion; repair and install playground equipment; and remove graffiti.

York County

York County — Nixon, Rudy, Kain, Raab, Rocky Ridge, and Spring Valley County Parks — $127,000 – Corps members will construct a bridge, canopy benches and information boards; install fencing and fish cribs; stabilize stream banks; improve trails; and remove non-native vegetation.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor