WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson announced a $115,000 federal grant to study recreational opportunities in the Galeton Berger Lake and Centertown Park Area.
The Appalachian Regional Commission awarded the grant to the Galeton Development Corp. It prepared the application with assistance from North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission.
The Galeton Development Corp. will assess the feasibility of developing recreational opportunities associated with the area around Berger Lake in Potter County, its dam structure, the John J. Collins Centertown Park and the surrounding trail system.
Specifically, the study will explore the recreation potential for the area upstream and downstream of the dam with consideration of a trail along the streams/lake, a paddle craft launch, white water park, public access areas; the potential of the trail to connect to a larger system of trails therefore boosting recreational activity in the area; the aesthetics of the dam and lake area, and the positive benefits to the creek and lake ecosystems including whether or not there could be a flooding impact; and the public use potential, especially in the sense of economic development and tourism. Project cost and funding strategies particularly regarding long-term sustainability and maintenance.
Thompson said, “I am pleased to see that ARC funding will allow the Galeton Development Corporation to study how best we can utilize our natural resources like Berger Lake and the surrounding areas in Potter County. Before pursuing any kind of development, it is paramount that we study all the impacts it could have on the environment. We are fortunate to have beautiful outdoor areas for recreation, and I fully support the desire to help more people experience these places through recreational activities like fishing, hiking, biking and swimming.”
Bob Rusiewski, ARC/EDA Programs Director at North Central, said, “This project represents a key strategic component for tourism and recreation to all that is going on in Potter County now with the Route 6 Alliance, The Pennsylvania Wilds, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources planning process for Denton Hill State Park, and the Galeton-Genesee-Susquehanna Trail System.”
