Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton A total of $90 million awarded in state-wide grant funding will bring $150,000 to Warren County, here on the Brokenstraw Creek, for stream improvements in several municipalities.

A state grant program will bring $150,000 for improvements to 10 sites on the Brokenstraw Creek.

The funding is part of a $90 million state investment through the DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

And the county will stand to benefit from other regional awards.

“Pennsylvania encompasses some of the most beautiful natural areas in the nation,” Governor Wolf said in a statement. “By investing in the upkeep and expansion of our recreational areas, we are not only improving the quality of life for citizens. We are making Pennsylvania an even better destination for visitors who will contribute to the economic health of communities all across the commonwealth.”

The sole award to Warren County was provided to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy for “restoration of 10 sites on Brokenstraw Creek in Brokenstraw, Pittsfield, Spring Creek and Sugar Grove townships and Youngsville Borough….”

A summary of the award said work will “include stream restoration; streambank stabilization; installation of riparian forest buffer; landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.”

Regionally, $300,000 was awarded to both the Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship and the Lumber Heritage Region of Pa. Warren County is a part of both entities.

The funds to the Pa Wilds will be utilized to establish a Recreation Council, conduct some planning work and “expand public-private partnerships with DCNR around state parks” while the Lumber Heritage funding will fund a mini-grant program, restore a forest fire tower and allow education and outreach, among other initiatives.

The Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance was awarded $295,000 but specific projects improvements are identified in Lackawanna County and the “Great Lakes region,” Erie and Crawford counties. Funding will also be utilized to “continue to develop the bike tourism project; support (a) tourism promotion and marketing campaign; provide technical assistance to PA Route 6 Heritage Communities; and continue to promote the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail and organize up to three PA Route 6 ‘makers markets.'”

“The health and vitality of our communities is reflected in the quality of parks and trails, access to rivers, open spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “Many of the projects being funded – improvements to local parks, trails, and river access – bring these amenities closer to home, requiring less driving and expense to experience.”

The funding comes from the Keystone Fund which, according to the state, is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the ATV/Snowmobile Fund generated through fees for licenses and federal monies.