Two trail projects in Indiana and Westmoreland Counties have received grants from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
State Representative Jim Struzzi and Senator Joe Pittman announced that $91,000 of the over $90 million in grant funding will go to the Indiana County Conservation District for the development of a canopy walk. The ADA-accessible trail will feature pavement that leads to a raised walkway where those using the trail can get a unique view into the tree canopy, according to ICCD executive director Doug Beri. It’s meant to be not just a recreational opportunity, but an educational tool as well.
A second grant of $250,000 will support a project to rehab of the existing Westmoreland Heritage Trail that runs from the West Penn Trail in Saltsburg through Loyalhanna Township in Westmoreland County to the Rangos Trailhead in Salem Township.
Senator Pittman said that the grants are great investments in the communities, especially with the increased number of people who are using trails throughout the state. He said that those who use the trail will eventually tell their friends and that will increase local tourism.
