August 30, 1999

Bard Says Schuylkill River Grant Good First Step
$2.5 million Heritage Park Grants to Benefit Montgomery County

HARRISBURG. Montgomery County legislator Ellen M. Bard (R-153), a strong advocate for expanding Montgomery County's tourist attractions, called a $2.5 million state Heritage Park grant a good first step. Bard, who is chairman of the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee's Subcommittee on Recreation, said, "This grant will help the county expand and continue studies and planning, which is the first step in revitalizing the Schulykill River corridor in our area.

"In the future, much more can and should be done to realize the full potential of this scenic asset and the other historic, architectural and natural resources in Eastern Montgomery County," said the state legislator. "Expansion of our tourist attractions will enhance business opportunities and the quality of life for all Montgomery County residents

"Anyone who has visited River Walk in San Antonio, the Inner Harbor in Baltimore or the Youghiogheny River in western Pennsylvania knows the beauty and economic value of a thoughtfully developed waterway," Bard said. "A realistic vision of a revitalized Schuylkill River greenway would include promenades, restaurants, watercraft, shops and other amenities.

"Many tourists stop by Philadelphia op their way to or from New York City or Washington D.C. They may even swing out to Valley Forge National Park. What we need to do in Montgomery County is to develop reasons for them to stay overnight. The beauty of developing additional tourist attractions in the area is that local residents can benefit from the incrcased entertainment and educational opportunities as well."

Montgomery County projects listed under the recent Heritage Park grant include:

- restoration of the exterior of the Lock Tenders House on Oakes Reach, Upper Providence Township;
- installation of interpretive signage along the trails known as Forbidden Drive and Lincoln Drive in the Wissahickon Valley;
-      development of a plan for creating small businesses to serve the public using the river and trail system; and
- development of a study for future cultural, natural, and historic preservation and conservation.

The Heritage Parks Program, administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), promotes the conservation arid development of Pennsylvania's many cultural, natural, recreational and scenic resources. Since its inception in 1989, the program has awarded more than $21 million to deserving projects.

"Tourism is the second largest industiy in the Commonwealth. not far behind agriculture for the number one spot," Bard said. "Montgomery County, with its accessibility to the international tourist and convention market, is in an ideal position to capitalize on its historic, architectural and natural resource sites.  The Schuylkill River Corridor and other potential Eastern Montgomery County attractions, such as Lynnwood Hall and Frank Lloyd Wright's Beth Shalom, have an important role to play in expanding the tourist base. We have tremendous untapped potential here and I am pleased that this Heritage Parks grant will help generate momentum to move forward in the future."