Northwest PA News

U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson has announced that the ClearWater Conservancy in College Township, Pennsylvania, will receive a $2 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) under its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative. This funding is intended to support the construction of a local conservation hub aimed at enhancing environmental stewardship in the area.

"ClearWater Conservancy has been working for decades to advance voluntary conservation efforts throughout our region," said Rep. Thompson. "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."

The ARC POWER grants are designed to assist areas impacted by coal-related job losses. The ClearWater Conservancy plans to utilize these funds to expand public events, educational opportunities, and community programming. Additionally, renovations are planned for a historic farmhouse and barn on the property, along with the creation of an ADA-accessible trail connecting the center to Spring Creek.

"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," said Ford 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."

Stryker emphasized that ClearWater Conservancy plays an active role in conserving land and protecting water resources, vital as Central Pennsylvania's economy increasingly relies on tourism and agriculture after declines in coal-related industries.

In addition to federal funding, local sources will contribute $5,968,600 toward this project, bringing total funding up to $7,968,600.

ClearWater Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental stewardship and education since 1980. It has conserved 11,000 acres of land and restored significant stretches of streams and riparian forests in Central Pennsylvania.

The ARC operates as an economic development agency across 423 counties in Appalachia with a mission focused on community capacity building and economic growth through innovation and partnership initiatives like POWER grants.