Commissioners say planned Western Pennsylvania Conservancy donation is delayed; recreation options under discussion

Cameron County commissioners discussed a proposed land donation from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) to a borough and said the transfer is delayed while the conservancy resolves match funding and environmental‑review steps.

Commissioners said the planned July closing did not occur because the conservancy must secure matching dollars and satisfy review/cleanup milestones. County representatives said the conservancy used C2P2 and other funds toward the purchase and that additional local match (reported in discussion as possible Susquehanna River Basin funds) is required before transfer can proceed.

"They're still waiting. They're thinking that they can get the funding for the other half of the money for the property," one commissioner said, noting WPC has conducted environmental work and that any on‑site cleanup must clear approval stages before deed transfer.

Commissioners said they would like the property used for passive recreation — hiking, trails or lookout access — rather than development. They discussed forming a land committee or steering committee after the deed transfer so county recreation staff and local partners can pursue grants and partnerships for site improvements. Several participants encouraged patience until the conservancy can complete its internal approval and funding steps.

No county action to accept or reject the donation was taken; the commission noted it had declined to take the property as a county project and that borough or partner organizations could propose recreation‑focused uses that avoid ongoing taxpayer maintenance burdens.