Lewisburg, PA – The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) is pleased to announce that it has received a $10,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support efforts to extend the North Branch Canal Trail into Danville and Bloomsburg.
The North Branch Canal Trail follows the Susquehanna River along the historic towpath of the North Branch Canal. Originally opened in 1832, the North Branch Canal served as a key link in the Pennsylvania Canal system connecting Northumberland and Nanitcoke.
The first 3.5 miles of trail, which are managed by the Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC) are open for public use for walking and off-road bicycling. The trailhead is located in Mahoning and Cooper Township. Additional sections of the 6.2-mile long trail are expected to open later this year.
SGP will utilize the PPL Foundation’s grant to leverage additional funding provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) to help extend the North Branch Canal Trail from its northern trailhead into Bloomsburg, as well as extend the trail south to connect to the existing Danville Trail System along the Susquehanna River.
“The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is excited about the opportunities that this grant funding allows,” said Gail Kulp, Executive Director of SGP. “Knowing that we have this funding available as we begin the process of designating Danville, Bloomsburg and Catawissa as Susquehanna Greenway River Towns will help these trail projects become a reality.”
The municipalities of Danville, Bloomsburg, and Catawissa are currently working on becoming designated Susquehanna Greenway River Towns. SGP has a long, successful history of working with organizations and municipalities to help revitalize communities along the Susquehanna River.
The goal of the River Towns program is to assist communities in efforts to become more walkable and bike-able. This in turn benefits the health of the community and helps attract young families and professionals to live and work in the area.
The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. “Each day throughout the areas we serve, everyday heroes at nonprofit organizations roll up their sleeves and go to work to lift up our communities,” said Ryan Hill, president of the PPL Foundation. “They don’t seek the limelight. They are simply about helping others and making the world a better place. We share their values, and the PPL Foundation is proud to support the tremendous work they do.”
About The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership:
The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to create and sustain a greenway along the Susquehanna River, to enhance river towns and the lives of current and future generations.
About the PPL Foundation:
Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation will support organizations that are doing innovative and groundbreaking work to create vital, sustainable communities and empowering each citizen to fulfill his/her potential. The PPL Foundation contributes more than $2 million annually to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.pplcares.com