The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in a press release announced that there is a $1.4-billion infrastructure gap in its state parks and forests.
The department is searching for ways to fund the need to keep supporting outdoor recreation.
One of the places that require repairs is Gifford Pinchot State Park located in York County. DCNR stated that the park is facing numerous infrastructure issues, which include replacing the water distribution system, water treatment plant, sewage collection, new wells, dam repairs, ADA compliance upgrades, and other green infrastructure needs.
“Our wonderful network of state parks and forests are facing operating challenges because of critical infrastructure needs. Pinchot is one of our premier parks, but it requires millions of dollars in improvements to ensure it continues to be a place that visitors can turn to as a healthy, safe respite. We must invest in our buildings, water systems, trails, dams, campgrounds, bridges, educational centers to maintain visitor comfort and safety on public lands,” DCNR Deputy Secretary John Norbeck said.
Statewide, outdoor recreation is a multibillion-dollar industry that directly supports 150,000 jobs. For every dollar invested in state parks, $12.41 returns to the commonwealth.
DCNR manages 121 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forest lands.
According to DCNR, more than 42 million people visited state parks in 2021, just after the 47 million who visited in 2020.
It’s astonishing to hear that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is seeking innovative funding solutions to bridge the substantial infrastructure gap in its state parks and forests. The unexpected upgrades needed at Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County, including a new water distribution system, sewage collection, and ADA compliance improvements, truly highlight the critical need for support. It’s shocking to think about the extent of these infrastructure issues. What are your thoughts on this?