Sep. 20, 2022
LEHIGHTON – State grants announced today will help fund trail improvements along the Lehigh Canal in Franklin Township and recreational upgrades at Memorial Park in Jim Thorpe Borough, according to Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) and Sen. John Yudichak (I-Luzerne/Carbon).
“Investing in our parks and trails supports our thriving tourism industry and ensures our local families have safe and up-to-date areas for play and recreation,” said Heffley. “The funding from these grants ensures our citizens will have better options to enjoy the outdoors.”
The Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission in Franklin Township will receive $250,000 for trail improvements along the Lehigh Canal, including restoring three canal overflows and improving pedestrian accessibility by removing wooden bridges that will be replaced with overflow grates that are bicycle safe and ADA compliant.
Jim Thorpe Borough will receive $200,000 for Phase II of the Memorial Park Master Site Plan. Funds will be used to construct a new playground area featuring a poured-in-place rubber safety surface and ADA flexible play equipment, complete with a dedicated sensory garden.
“Today’s state investment ensures that two important local projects, which will improve a recreational hub in the Borough of Jim Thorpe and expand access to one of Carbon County’s prized recreational and tourism amenities in the D&L Trail along the Lehigh Canal, will get completed,” said Yudichak. “The Commonwealth Financing Authority continues to be a great partner with Carbon County, investing in its communities’ beautiful recreational and outdoor assets, which helps to support the thriving tourism industry in the region.”
All grants were awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.
Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Melissa Fox
717-260-6522
mefox@pahousegop.com
RepHeffley.com /
Facebook.com/RepHeffley