PA Governor Corbett Tours Johnstown's Whitewater Park; Discusses the Importance of Supporting Pennsylvania's Natural Resources

JOHNSTOWN, Pa., July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett, joined by First Lady Susan Corbett, today visited Whitewater Park in Johnstown during his three-day kayak tour through western Pennsylvania to promote our vast natural resources and array of recreational opportunities. 

"It's an amazing thing to look at this place, a stretch of pure whitewater coursing down a river many of us had given up for lost," said Corbett. "Now, through the work of our citizens, in partnership with the state, we have this river back."

The Governor's tour included presentations of the progress being made in Johnstown through public-private partnerships to build outdoor recreation as a new industry in the area. 

Whitewater Park is located on the shores of the Stonycreek River, which is Pennsylvania's River of the Year for 2012.

Pennsylvania's first set of constructed rapids are located in the Stonycreek River adjacent to the park. Here, water novice paddlers can learn basic whitewater techniques and more experienced boaters can play in hydraulics.

"This park and this restored river, which now runs clean through the heart of one of our historic, industrial cities, will attract visitors," Corbett said. "With the faith and hard work of the people here and the investment of state dollars, we are creating jobs."

During his visit, the Governor viewed tubing and kayaking skill demonstrations by two new Johnstown companies that were specifically started to serve visitors to Whitewater Park. An in-water rescue effort was also performed for the Governor by a local swift-water rescue training team.

"People come to this region for the history and culture. They come here on business.  But they are always captivated by the natural beauty, the green mountains and now, clean rivers," said Corbett. "This vision and sense of mission is why the state has been an enthusiastic partner in developing tourism and recreation in this region."

The Governor will continue his kayak tour on Wednesday in the Pittsburgh area, visiting Point State Park to see first-hand the successful partnership of preservation and economic growth. 

For more information about state parks, visit the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources online at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

To find historic sites across the state, visit the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission online at www.phmc.state.pa.us.

Find additional opportunities to explore Pennsylvania's many unique tourism assets at www.visitPA.com.

Media contact:  Kelli Roberts, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor