Thompson Announces Federal Funding for Jenks Township
Grant will aid the rehabilitation, development of the Jenks Township Four Seasons Trail Hub
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson today announced that Jenks Township, in Forest County, is the recipient of a $117,440 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant for the Jenks Township Trail Hub Visitor Center.
This funding will support the renovation of the historic train station in Marienville to transform it into a visitor center, which will serve as the centerpiece of the larger Jenks Township Four Seasons Trail Hub project. The trail hub will include access for pedestrians, cyclists, motorized and equestrian trail users from the township and surrounding areas.
The trail center project is expected to generate 100 new day visitors and 30 overnight visitors daily, which is anticipated to generate $119,000 in annual tourism revenue for the region.
In addition to ARC funds, $29,360 in local funding will bring the total project cost to $146,800.
The Township has previously received funding for the rehabilitation of the train station, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic and workforce shortages, the project was delayed.
"We are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, landscapes, and historical heritage in Pennsylvania, and it is important we preserve it for generations to come," Rep. Thompson said. "These trails are an excellent way to experience the PA Wilds, and I congratulate Jenks Township for working to bolster the experience for local residents and visitors alike."
"The Jenks Township Supervisors are happy to be awarded the ARC grant that will help the Township not only preserve a historical building in Marienville but will also improve the community and draw visitors to our town. The Supervisors are excited to move forward with the next building block of the Marienville Four Seasons Trail Hub and Welcome Center," saidMisty Dittman, Jenks Township Secretary and Treasurer.
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ABOUT THE ARC
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 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.