HARRISBURG — Jenks Township in Forest County has been awarded more than $1 million to develop a trail and recreational hub in Marienville.
The announcement was made earlier this month by Gov. Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Leslie S. Richards that Jenks Township will receive $1,196,169 through the Surface Transportation Block Grant program Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside.
The grant will be used as a continuation of the trail project to construct an additional six-mile segment of trail, ADA parking lots, and a pavilion. An Appalachian Regional Commission grant for $67,000 will be used to update the recreational hub that will provide ADA restrooms and information for recreational activities to include hiking, cycling, ATV, snowmobile, cross country skiing and equestrian use.
The trail project will provide a link to several trails, including the North Country Trail, the Allegheny National Forest trail system and the Knox to Kane Trail. Jenks Township and the Allegheny National Forest are also working to provide a connector trail for ATVs.
Recreation has always been a large part of the local economy and with the addition of this trail hub, the supervisors hope to give entrepreneurs the opportunities to develop new businesses or expand existing business. The township has worked to expand infrastructure to accommodate growth in Marienville for both business and housing development. There are opportunities for rental shops, overnight accommodations, food sources and recreational outfitters.
