1283 Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund; Community Grant Program; Rails-to-Trails Grant Program; Rivers Conservation Grant Program

Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund; Community Grant Program; Rails-to-Trails Grant Program; Rivers Conservation Grant Program

[29 Pa.B. 4178]

   The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has announced an open application period for funding of acquisition, development, planning, implementation, and technical assistance projects from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation (Keystone) Fund. These Keystone grants will be administered by DCNR's Bureau of Recreation and Conservation under their Community Grant Program, Rails-to-Trails Grant Program and Rivers Conservation Grant Program.

   The Keystone Fund was established by passage of the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund Act (Act 1993-50) signed on July 2, 1993. On November 2, 1993 the voters of the Commonwealth overwhelmingly approved a public referendum incurring bond indebtedness by the Commonwealth in the amount of $50 million to provide for the funding of nature preserves and wildlife habitats and for improvements to and expansion of state parks, community parks and recreation facilities, historic sites, zoos and public libraries. The Keystone Fund is currently supported by a 15% allocation from the State Realty Transfer Tax revenues. Approximately $11-12 million will be available in this round of funding under the Community Grant Program and $1 million each in the Rails-to-Trails and Rivers Conservation grant programs.

   An announcement of this open application period, fact sheet and information on how to obtain the application forms has been sent to Commonwealth municipalities, rails-to-trails organizations and rivers conservation organizations. Any municipality or organization that has not received the announcement package may request the information from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, 6th Floor Rachel Carson State Office Building, P. O. Box 8475, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8475, [phone]. The deadline for submission of completed grant applications to DCNR is 5 p.m. on October 29, 1999. No submissions will be accepted by FAX.

   Local government officials, organizations, or individuals seeking additional information about these Keystone programs may contact the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation at the above address and telephone number.

   Persons with a disability who wish to submit an application for Keystone funding and require assistance should contact Darrel Siesholtz at the above number to discuss how DCNR may best accommodate their needs. TTY or TDD users call [phone].

JOHN C. OLIVER,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 99-1283. Filed for public inspection August 6, 1999, 9:00 a.m.]