ALBANY TOWNSHIP – Senator David G. Argall (R-29) announced a $188,000 grant for Hawk Mountain Sanctuary through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation program.
The project at Hawk Mountain will allow one of the region’s most popular recreational and wildlife education areas to create an ADA-compliant family-friendly trail.
“Each year, Hawk Mountain welcomes visitors from across our entire planet. The goal is to allow more visitors to enjoy Hawk Mountain’s beauty and world-class facilities for research,” Argall said. “These upgrades allow visitors with disabilities or small children to experience more of what Hawk Mountain has to offer. I give a lot of credit to the volunteers and staff, who continue to work hard to make this very special place even better.”
“This will be a transformational grant which will allow Hawk Mountain to actively reach an important segment of our population that is often overlooked and who will be able to hike with dignity on our trails and view one of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful lookouts,” said Jerry Regan, President of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. “This grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will also be matched by a grant from the Berks County Commissioners and we plan to begin construction in the spring. We could not be more grateful and want to thank Senator Argall, Representative Knowles, Commissioner Leinbach and Scott Dunkelberger.”
“The Commonwealth Financing Authority applauds the efforts of the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association Board of Directors and staff to make the grandeur that is Hawk Mountain more accessible to those with young children and limited mobility,” said Scott Dunkelberger, Director of the Center for Business Financing at DCED. “This transformational project will enhance visitor’s experience and result in safety improvements, increase visitation, and will connect more people with nature.”
Sen. Argall’s recent monthly television program featured highlights from the wildlife preserve’s 80th anniversary celebration and a tour of the facilities.
The funding comes from the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which is generated by the impact fee placed on Marcellus Shale gas drilling in Pennsylvania.