Thompson Announces $2 Million in Federal Funding for ClearWater Conservancy

COLLEGE TOWNSHIP, Pa.– Today, U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson announced the ClearWater Conservancy in College Township as the recipient of a $2 million Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) grant. This investment will construct a local conservation hub and increase environmental stewardship throughout the region.

"ClearWater Conservancy has been working for decades to advance voluntary conservation efforts throughout our region," Rep. Thompson said. "The construction of the ClearWater Community Conservation Center will help boost ecotourism and agritourism throughout the area. With this project, there is going to be something for everyone to enjoy. Congratulations to ClearWater Conservancy and their many partners and volunteers for their continued dedication to Central Pennsylvania's streams and natural landscape."

ARC POWER grants target areas affected by the coal-related job losses. ClearWater plans to use the grant to increase public events, educational opportunities and community programming. A historic farmhouse and barn on the property will also be renovated. An ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible trail will be established to connect the center to the Spring Creek, a world-renowned trout fishing stream.

"I was thrilled to receive GT's call telling me that ClearWater would receive a $2 million ARC grant for the new Community Conservation Center," saidFord Stryker of ClearWater Conservancy. "We appreciate the Congressman's support to secure this grant, which is a critical piece of the funding strategy because local philanthropy could not cover all the construction costs. The ClearWater Conservancy takes an active role in conserving land and protecting water resources for the preservation and creation of new outdoor recreation assets, working agritourism assets, and agribusinesses. These efforts have become increasingly important as Central Pennsylvania's economy becomes more reliant on tourism and agriculture following the decline of Central Pennsylvania's coal-related industries."

In addition to ARC funds, local sources will provide $5,968,600, bringing the total project funding to $7,968,600.

ClearWater Conservancy is an active nonprofit, land trust association focused on environmental stewardship and education. ClearWater Conservancy has conserved 11,000 acres of land, restored 25 miles of streams, and restored 183 acres of riparian forest in Central Pennsylvania since 1980.

ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity, strengthen economic growth in Appalachia, and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.

ARC POWER grants allocate federal resources to support communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.

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