Delaware conservation project gets funds

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA — The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has awarded The Nature Conservancy a $450,000 grant to fund a comprehensive conservation project in the Delaware River Basin. The project is a joint effort of The Nature Conservancy with the Natural Lands Trust and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.

The Delaware Basin Restoration Initiative will use digital mapping technology to identify priority conservation areas for a wide range of river and estuarine habitats in the Delaware Basin and Bay.

“This project takes whole-basin perspective,” said Michele DePhilip, Director of Freshwater Conservation for The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania. “Knowing exactly where certain natural systems exist, and accurately describing their current conditions and threats, will guide more effective conservation of biodiversity within the basin, and could help direct limited conservation dollars toward the most critical work.”

For more information visit www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/pennsylvania/news/news3313.html.

Pike road projects pummeled by state cutbacks

PIKE AND MONROE COUNTIES, PA — Pike and Monroe counties will lose $115 million scheduled for infrastructure projects over the next 12 years due to recent cutbacks in the state transportation budget.

The planned reconstruction of about 18 miles of Interstate 84 in Pike County was the biggest single project canceled. In addition, work on eight bridges and 27 miles of roadway have been cancelled throughout the two counties.

It is estimated that the program cuts will lead to a loss of 2,713 jobs repairing Pike infrastructure.

Congress has not yet enacted a new six-year authorization bill to pay for transportation projects across the nation.

Dr. Duggan Community Center opens

WHITE LAKE, NY — The Dr. Duggan Community Center will open its doors to the public on Wednesday, August 25 at 6:00 p.m. The Community Center is the location of the new Bethel Youth Center, the relocation of the Bethel Justice Court from downtown Kauneonga Lake, and the Past Perfect Bookstore/Sullivan County Literacy Center. The center is already being used by the Bethel Youth Programs such as day camp on special event and rain days, Yoga, Zumba, Basketball and Tae Kwon Do.

“The Dr. Duggan Elementary School has been an integral part of the Bethel community since 1951 and it now can continue to serve the community in its new capacity,” said town supervisor Dan Sturm.

There will be a tour of the facility, located at 3460 Route 55. The town board meeting is scheduled to begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room on the same day.

For more information call 845/583-4350, ext. 12.

Fire and ambulance grants available

PENNSYLVANIA — Volunteer fire companies and ambulance services in Pennsylvania can submit an application for the Fiscal Year 2010 Volunteer Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program (VFCVASGP). The online application period begins September 7 and will remain open until October 21.

The program was created in the state general assembly as Act 10 of 2007, and is funded through state gaming proceeds. The grants may be used for construction or renovation of a unit’s station, the purchase or repair of equipment, training or debt reduction. The maximum grant amount is $15,000 for volunteer fire companies and $10,000 for volunteer ambulance services. A total of $25 million will be awarded.

For more information visit RepPeifer.com and click on “Fire and Ambulance Grants.”

Second Radiothon scheduled

CALLICOON, NY — The second annual Home of the Free Because of the Brave Radiothon will be held on Saturday, August 28 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 29 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at the Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center in Callicoon. The event benefits the Committee for the Families of Iraqi and Afghanistan War Vets, a not-for-profit group dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the families of soldiers killed or wounded in the Iraq or Afghanistan Wars.

Residents can participate by purchasing an Eagle Card at one of the 28 businesses taking part in the program, which are listed at www.thunder102.com, or they can make a pledge to the committee by filling out an online pledge card on that website.

There will be continuous live entertainment including performances by bands such as Chris Barran and the Bandits and Elvis and the Roustabouts.

The motorcycle group Rolling Thunder Chapter Four, NY will hold its Salute Veterans Ride VIII in conjunction with the event. The ride will begin forming at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday in front of the Shop-Rite in Monticello.

‘Gasland’ to be shown in Callicoon

CALLICOON, NY — Rooftop Films, The Fledgling Fund, International WOW Company and Catskill Citizens For Safe Energy will present a free outdoor screening of Josh Fox’s documentary “Gasland” at the Delaware Youth Center at 8 Creamery Road on Sunday, September 5. “Gasland” explores the effects of hydraulic fracturing in natural gas drilling. It begins with a personal query about Fox’s own land and documents the stories of people living with fracking. The event is part of a six-city tour that includes Pittsburgh, Harrisburgh and Philadlphia in PA as well as Callicoon.

The screening will move indoors if necessary. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic. Candy and desserts will be for sale. Admission and popcorn is free. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with performances, music and speeches by local artists and activists. The film will be shown at 8:15, followed by a Q & A with Fox and local partners. For more information visit www.rooftopfilms.com/2010/schedule/56-gasland-callicoon-ny.