Corbett announces county grants

Gov. Corbett today announced $31.5 million in grants for 218 conservation and recreation projects, 11 of which will directly benefit Chester County residents.

Natural Lands Trust will receive $35,000 to provide education and technical assistance to area municipalities regarding land use policies, and $150,000 for work that includes coordinating the activities of the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape Initiative in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, and Montgomery Counties.

For East Marlborough Township, $430,000 will go toward parking, bio-infiltration buffers, pedestrian walkways, landscaping, and other installations for  Phase 1 development of Unionville Community Park.

East Pikeland Township will receive $213,600 for Phase 1 development of approximately two miles of the French Creek Trail between Township Line Road and Hares Hill Road along French Creek, including bridge design, trail design, and trail construction.

The French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust will get $329,000 for the acquisition of a conservation easement on approximately 58 acres off Boot and Line Roads in East Goshen Township for open space, passive recreation, and stream protection.

In London Grove Township, $250,000 will help further development of Goddard Park, including a comfort station, entrance road, parking, pathways with bridge crossings, and gardens.

New London Township will receive $163,500 for the acquisition of approximately eight acres along West Avondale Road and adjoining existing township recreation facilities for passive and active recreation.

Newlin Township will receive $43,300 for the acquisition of approximately five acres along Stargazers Road for passive recreation and open space.

In North Coventry Township, $150,000 will help fund the acquisition of approximately 21 acres along St. Peters Road and adjoining Coventry Woods for riparian buffer and habitat protection.

Thornbury Township will get $200,000 for Phase 1 development of Squire Cheney Park, including a rain garden with native plantings, park entranceways, parking, and landscape buffers.

West Nantmeal Township will receive $40,000 for further development of Township Park, including the installation of play equipment, fitness stations, and landscaping.