LEWISTOWN — Mifflin County’s Planning Commission approved three applications from municipalities Thursday for funding to improve areas like parks and greenways through the Act 13 Marcellus Shale Open Space grant.

“We (were) allocated $50,000 for this round and received $35,090 in grant requests leaving $14,910 for the next round which will be most likely next summer per Commissioner’s approval,” said Planning Director James Lettiere during the Planning Commission’s meeting Thursday.

During the meeting, Derry Township Manager Kelly Shutes reviewed Derry’s application with the board.

Shutes said Derry Township is seeking $15,000 for professional services, including design, engineering permitting, bidding and construction phase services for improvements to the Kish Park Walking Trail.

“We plan to widen the walking trail to ten feet allowing for both bikes and pedestrians,” said Shutes.

Shutes said the Township recently applied for $250,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Grant and the Township’s financial contribution is $29,177.

“This is a very good project consistent with the Juniata-Mifflin County Greenways, Open space and Recreation Plan and program guidelines”, adds Lettiere.

“Tremendous assets for the county”, adds Daniel Firth, chair.

The board also approved a plan for Brown Township, which requested $10,089.55 for a new pavilion at Bender Park.

Lettiere stated that their current pavilion is deteriorating.

Lettiere explains the Township is contributing $2,882, giving a total of $12,971.55.

The board also approved a plan in Burnham Borough for improvements to the Veterans Memorial Circle roundabout project.

The Township requested $10,000 in Act 13 funds and have applied for $165,000 an additional Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development Multimodal Grant, while the Borough is contributing $5,000.

A representative for Burnham was not in attendance, however Jim Lettiere explained further that this project is to enhance the Veterans Memorial as well as add a barrier to protect the memorial from further damage as the Township expressed that several vehicles have collided into the memorial.

The funds are available through the Act 13 Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund Grant is derived from Pennsylvania’s Act 13, a law that imposes impact fees on natural gas drillers, with a portion of these revenues reinvested into state and local open space, parks and trails programs.

These grants can be used for acquiring or developing open spaces, greenways, community parks, and natural areas, often through county-administered legacy funds or other state programs. Municipalities and non-profits can apply for these funds to enhance community health and quality of life through the creation or improvement of recreational and conservation projects.