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Council backs applying for DCNR grant to reconnect Capital Area Greenbelt in South Harrisburg
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Summary
The Parks, Recreation and Enrichment Committee recommended sending Resolution 21 to the legislative agenda to authorize a $100,000 DCNR grant application (50/50 match) with the Capital Area Greenbelt Association to acquire property and complete phase 2 of a South Harrisburg trail reconnection; project costs have risen and CAGA must raise a $100,000 match.
Council’s parks committee recommended placing Resolution 21 of 2026 on the legislative agenda to authorize submission of a DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program grant application for up to $100,000, in partnership with the Capital Area Greenbelt Association, to acquire land needed to reconnect a missing segment of the Greenbelt trail in South Harrisburg.
Doug Hill, president of the Capital Area Greenbelt Association, described a two‑phase reconnection. Phase 1, which is on city property and for which grant funding is already in place, widens sidewalk and improves access. Phase 2 requires acquiring right‑of‑way and an approximately 1.3‑acre parcel owned by Pennsy Supply; CAGA reported negotiations with Pennsy and said appraisals are underway. The DCNR grant is a 50/50 match; CAGA intends to raise the $100,000 local match, in part by applying for a county gaming grant and additional funding.
Hill said project costs have increased owing to additional appraisal and survey requirements tied to the railroad adjacency; current total estimated costs are about $216,000. Project timing is constrained by DCNR’s April 30 submission deadline for the grant application; the committee noted staff coordination on legal costs, survey work and engineering is ongoing.
Committee members voiced support for reconnecting the trail to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety where the route now detours on busy streets. The matter was recommended to the legislative agenda for final authorization and for any required city match or approvals to proceed with negotiations and grant submission.
