HARRISBURG – Nov. 28, 2012 – A local organization focused on preserving the history of the steel industry and providing for the community will soon receive state grant funds to bolster its efforts, Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today announced.
The Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation will receive $100,000 from a grant provided through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The funds will be used for projects at three locations, two of which are Allegheny County National Historic Landmarks: the Bost Building in Homestead and the Pump House in Munhall.
Costa said that the DCNR grants provide financial and technical assistance to organizations for the planning and development of park, recreation, conservation and greenway projects.
“The Pittsburgh area is well-established in our national history as a steel producing region and I am pleased to see grant funding provided to organizations that are committed to preserving that historic footprint,” Costa said. “As a result of these community projects, several of our most prominent historic structures will serve as an educational resource for surrounding communities and will help make Pennsylvania greener and more energy efficient.
According to Costa, Rivers of Steel plans to use the grant funds to install sustainable, renewable energy sources in the historic buildings in the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. These historic structures will serve as a model for other heritage sites across the state.
As part of the project, Rivers of Steel also plans to create a user-friendly bike and trail eco-center that will encourage other outdoor recreation with these historic sites.
“By creating a family-friendly environment around these historic sites, organizations like Rivers of Steel are able to create educational opportunities while promoting energy conservation and land preservation,” Costa said.
###