COLUMBIA BOROUGH, Pa., March 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis today said the state will invest $500,000 to help develop Riverfront Park in Columbia Borough, Lancaster County. The funds will help improve access to the Susquehanna River for outdoor recreation by the construction of a boat launch, canoe and kayak access, walkways, rain gardens to help absorb run off into the river, and other site improvements. "For many years, communities turned their backs to the water, blocking up access and polluting them through industrial practices," said DiBerardinis during a groundbreaking event at the park.

By David O'Connor A state panel has dismissed a charge that Columbia Borough officials violated state labor law when they sent a letter telling borough police how to conduct themselves while on duty.

By Tom Knapp Police officer hired with conditions could begin patrol in October Columbia Borough will fill a vacancy in the borough police force despite a plea by one councilman to run with a smaller squad.

By James Buescher Plan would alter Rt. 441 around Columbia JAMES BUESCHER In an effort to bring businesses back downtown and make streets safer for pedestrians, officials in Columbia Borough are working on a way to help large trucks bypass the center of town.

Major PennDOT projects Miscellaneous PennDOT Bridge projects Lancaster County Transportation Authority County road projects Utilities Roadwork Following is the schedule for Lancaster County projects this week. Normal work hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.