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Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Awards $374,000 to Protect Lehigh County Properties From Development

Posted on: Wednesday, 14 June 2006, 15:00 CDT

BETHLEHEM, Pa., June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today said the state will invest $374,000 to protect 147 acres in the Lehigh Valley from development and to support conservation efforts in the area. The money will be awarded to Lehigh County, Fountain Hill Borough, and Wildlands Conservancy Inc. for habitat protection and environmental education.

Lehigh County will be awarded a $258,500 grant to purchase the Bethlehem Water Authority property in Salisbury Township. The forest on the property supports a large number of nesting and migratory bird species and is a good habitat for many reptile and amphibian species. It is adjacent to 232 acres previously preserved by the county, the township and the City of Allentown.

"The Bethlehem Water Authority property is a beautiful piece of tulip and oak forest in an urban area that needs our protection from encroaching development," the Governor said. "The Lehigh Valley has seen tremendous growth over the last 20 years and it is critical that we protect its natural resources.

"This Growing Greener II grant is an investment in open space, watershed protection, important wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation. It's also an investment in the region's quality of life."

This is the first grant issued by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources under the initiative that allows counties to identify projects in their communities to receive Growing Greener II funds. The funds build upon a previous grant of $200,000 to the county for the property.

"This land is important as wildlife habitat, a water resource and for recreational opportunities such as hiking, bird watching, fishing and cross country skiing -- and it should be protected," DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said at an event on Sand Island in Bethlehem where the grant was announced. "The property also is a part of the Lehigh Valley Greenways effort to position the region for sustainable growth -- growth that ensures economic vitality as well as increased quality of life for communities and residents."

"Preservation of South Mountain is a critical part of the preservation of the beautiful and majestic mountain and river valley throughout the region," said Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham. "There are plenty of places to develop and grow in Lehigh County. It's good public policy and just plain common sense to preserve open space on South Mountain."

In addition to the 141-acre property, two additional projects in Lehigh County are receiving Growing Greener II open space acquisition grants:

- Fountain Hill Borough, $102,600, for the acquisition of approximately two acres off Dodson Street, next to the existing Stanley Avenue Recreation Area for passive and active recreation. - Wildlands Conservancy Inc., $13,000, for the acquisition of approximately four acres next to the existing South Mountain Preserve in Salisbury Township for environmental education, critical habitat protection and passive recreation.

Growing Greener II is a voter-approved $625 million bond issue to clean up rivers and streams; protect natural areas, open spaces and working farms; and shore up key programs to improve quality of life and revitalize communities across the commonwealth.

For more information about DCNR's Growing Greener II program, visit http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ and click on "Recreation and Conservation."

The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.

CONTACT: Kate Philips 717-783-1116 Christina Novak (DCNR) 717-772-9101 Frank Kane Lehigh County 610-782-3001

Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Kate Philips, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,+1-717-783-1116; or Christina Novak, DCNR, +1-717-772-9101; or Frank Kane,Lehigh County, +1-610-782-3001

Web site: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/

Source: PRNewswire

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