Robbins Announces $270,000 Oil Heritage Region
Grant
Harrisburg – State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) today announced the
awarding of a $270,000 grant from the Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources (DCNR) for the Oil Heritage Region, which covers
Crawford and Venango counties.
Robbins said the Oil Heritage Region was designated as a State
Heritage Park in 1994. It interprets the nationally significant story
of the birth of the petroleum industry, starting in Titusville in
1859.
"This is the region that gave birth to an industry that changed the
world," said Robbins. "It's an important story, and this grant will
help the effort to tell it."
Robbins said the grant will be used to:
- Produce and install directional signage for the heritage area;
- Construct an extension to the Allegheny River Trail from
Rockland Township to Emlenton;
- Enhance the Standard Steel Drilling Rig Exhibit at the Drake
Well Museum;
- Reprint selected historical books for the heritage area;
- Develop a plan for a special events rail car along the Oil Creek
& Titusville Railroad;
- Conduct an engineering study for a connection of a four-mile
bike trail from Rynd Farm to Oil City; and
- Provide management and administrative support for the Oil
Heritage Region.
Pennsylvania has 11 State Heritage Parks, which are supported
regionally and by the state Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources. The program was created in 1989 to identify, conserve and
enhance natural and cultural resources, and to promote regional
heritage to stimulate community and economic development.
CONTACT: Mike Hengst (717) 787-1322
