Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 49, December 7, 2024
Section 61.23 - Community conservation(b) The funding request will be evaluated on how it will contribute to the community conservation efforts within a neighborhood, community or region. Greater value will be placed on those projects that protect unique natural areas or support or complement facilities and sites of significant historical, heritage or cultural value at the local, State or Federal level. Factors that will be analyzed include: (1) How the project will preserve or protect environmentally sensitive areas of special interest, such as wetlands, floodplains, greenways, natural landmarks and the like, and areas that support endangered species of plant or animal life.(2) How the project will support or complement facilities and sites of significant historical value. Actual restoration or preservation of historic structures is not eligible for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) funding, but outdoor recreation and support facilities may be located on historic sites or in conjunction with historic structures.(3) How the project will help to promote the concept of heritage parks by supporting or complementing the overall efforts of a community to preserve the unique heritage, character and features of the community, and to establish a sense of community pride, image and awareness through interpretation, education and promotion of the unique heritage aspect.(4) How the project will promote or enhance the cultural environment of a neighborhood, community or region by providing general public recreation areas or facilities that will also create special recreation opportunities or pursuits for ethnic groups.(5) How the project will promote or enhance the cultural environment of a neighborhood, community or region by providing general public recreation areas or facilities that will also provide special recreation opportunities for participation in the arts. Areas and facilities designed primarily for semi-professional or professional arts are not eligible for LWCF funding.(6) What impact the project will have on improving the quality of life within a neighborhood, community or region. This section cited in 17 Pa. Code § 61.5 (relating to regional office review, rating and ranking of funding requests).