HARRISBURG (Aug. 1, 2019) After working for years with local business and community members to help advance an exciting new collaboration in Meadville, Sen. Michele Brooks announced the awarding of a $2 million state grant for the French Creek Corridor.
Brooks partnered with Meadville City Council members, the Crawford County Commissioners, the Redevelopment Authority, business and community leaders, and the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County to acquire a highly competitive Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant.
The goal of the project is to implement a comprehensive strategy to provide recreational, commercial, environmental, historical and educational access in and around the creek for local families and visitors.
“I am so very pleased and optimistic at the news of this grant,” Brooks said. “With this vital funding, an innovative public-private partnership will be able to move from the drawing board to reality. It will ultimately create direct pedestrian and vehicular linkages to create a ‘golden pathway’ connecting the creek to the downtown business area and other focal points, such as Allegheny College and Meadville Medical Center.”
Brooks said the project will also combine public and private funding for the development of land and the building of multi-use commercial facilities, as well as a Heritage and Learning Center, an amphitheater, a canoe/kayak rental facility, and a launch dock.
Jim Becker, Executive Director of the Economic Progress Alliance, said, “We are so excited to be selected to receive this funding in support of the French Creek Heritage and Entertainment District! This project has been in the idea stage for several years and now can move forward as a transformational community development project for Crawford County.”
He added, “We would like to thank Governor Wolf, Sen. Michele Brooks and the Senate Caucus Leadership for supporting the funding for this project.”
“The French Creek Corridor development illustrates the incredible resources we have right here in our backyard, and will create jobs, opportunity, and new memories for families in Meadville and surrounding communities,” Brooks added.
CONTACT:
Diane McNaughton
(717) 787-1322
dmmcnaughton@pasen.gov