Chester Co. Gets $4 Million In Funding For Conservation Projects

Eleven conservation projects across Chester County have received more than $4 million in state funding., local officials announced recently.

The funding comes from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program and will support projects like trail development, streambank reinforcement, outdoor classrooms, and open space protections.

“Chester County’s rolling hills, pristine streams and beautiful parks are some of the very reasons that make it such a great place to call home,” State Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) said in a statement. “These grant funds will help us continue to build on our success in protecting our land, water, and environmental resources, while also increasing recreational opportunities for residents and families throughout the area.”

A list of funded projects is included below:

• $31,000 for Atglen Borough to prepare master site development plans for the 17-acre Valley Avenue parcel, the 5-acre Church Road Park, the 1.2-acre Borough Hall parcel and 206 Main Street.
• $1.5 million for the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art to go toward the acquisition of approximately 569 acres in Lower Oxford and West Nottingham for open space protection and passive recreation.
• $40,000 for the City of Coatesville to prepare a Master Site Development Plan and Swimming Pool Feasibility Study for the 9.3-acre Ash Park.
• $250,000 for the City of Coatesville for further development of Palmer Park, including the construction of pedestrian walkways and a pavilion, the installation of play equipment, lighting, ADA access, landscaping, signage and other related site improvements.
• $75,000 for East Bradford Township to go toward the acquisition of approximately seven acres along Birmingham Road for open space protection and passive recreation.
• $118,800 for the Natural Lands Trust for the construction of approximately 64 acres of riparian buffers along waterways in the Delaware River Watershed, including landowner outreach and engagement, buffer plantings, post-planting establishment and other improvements.
• $17,000 for the Natural Lands Trust to prepare a stewardship plan for the 571-acre Stroud Preserve in East and West Bradford.
• $100,000 for Schuylkill Township for further development of Valley Park, including the construction of pedestrian walkways, an outdoor classroom, parking area and stormwater management, as well as ADA access, landscaping, signage and other related site improvements.
• $229,800 for the Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County to go toward the acquisition of approximately 19 acres in London Britain Township for open space preservation habitat protection and passive recreation along the White Clay Creek.
• $1.5 million for the Conservation Fund to go toward phase 3 of the acquisition of approximately 982 acres in Elk, Franklin and New London Townships for open space protection and public recreation.
• $500,000 for West Whiteland Township for further development of the Exton Park’s Swedesford Recreation area, including the construction of natural play areas, a dog park, pavilions, a comfort station, a parking area, and the installation of utilities, lighting, ADA access, landscaping, signage and other related site improvements.

The projects will be adminstered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

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