State parks department outlines infrastructure plan

HARRISBURG — State officials presented a plan last week for spending $75 million authorized in the state budget to undertake needed infrastructure projects in the state parks and forests.

The money “will go a long way as a down payment,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Deputy Secretary John Norbeck during a meeting of the agency’s advisory council.

The budget created a new State Parks and Outdoor Recreation grant program under DCNR to spend $100 million in federal American Rescue Plan dollars. The funding is split $75 million for state parks and forests and $25 million for other projects that meet infrastructure needs.

DCNR’s plan for the $75 million at this point calls for spending $30 million in ARP funds on structurally deficient dams, $7 million on structurally deficient bridges, $15 million to improve aging visitor and administrative buildings, $2 million for wastewater and water treatment plants, $5 million to upgrade campgrounds, cabins and cottages and $1 million to make boating facilities accessible for the disabled.

The agency uses money from the Keystone Fund, Environmental Stewardship Fund and Oil and Gas Fund for these projects, Mr. Norbeck said. DCNR is establishing priorities for public health and safety, operational needs, visitor needs and if facilities are at the end of their lifespans for evaluating projects for grants.