Gruitza, Robbins announce awards of $52,000 in outdoor rec funding

HARRISBURG, June 28 – State Rep. Michael Gruitza, D-Mercer, and Sen. Bob Robbins, R-50th District, today announced that two Community Conservation Partnership Program grants totaling almost $52,000 will soon be awarded to two recreation projects in Gruitza's district.

The grants are:

Mercer County Regional Council of Governments: $20,000, to determine the feasibility of rehabilitating the Lackawannock-Shenango-West Middlesex Community Pool in West Middlesex borough.

Sharon city: $31,600 for rehabilitation of the B Street, Jefferson, Thorton and Wengler playgrounds.

"I, along with Senator Robbins, am pleased to see this grant money being awarded in Mercer County," Gruitza said. "The possibility of the rehabilitation of the community pool, along with fixing up local playgrounds, will mean a much more enjoyable and safer environment for our local children along with friends and family."

Gruitza emphasized that much of the credit for the Sharon city playground grant approval goes to Dominick A. Russo, a long-time resident of Mercer County.

"We're a community, struggling financially. Our playgrounds were excellent facilities for our children up until a few years ago," Russo said. "With this money, we will now be able to repair and replace things which were broken and therefore dangerous to the children. This grant is truly wonderful, a godsend, and we will use every penny of it."

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources administers the CCPP grant program. The grants provide financial and technical assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts and various nonprofit organizations for the planning, acquisition and development of recreation, conservation, greenways and park projects.

CONTACTS:

Mike Hengst
Phone: 717-787-1322
mhengst@pasen.gov
Senator Bob Robbins
R-50th District
senatorrobbins.com

Jay Purdy
Phone: 717-787-7895
jpurdy@pahouse.net
State Rep. Michael Gruitza
D-Mercer
www.pahouse.com/Gruitza