The Franklin County Commissioners awarded grants for the Tourism and Quality of Life Enhancement Grant Program during their meeting yesterday. Franklin County established this grant program to support the county’s tourism efforts and develop the county’s quality of life related assets. Funds for the program are from the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund and the Hotel Tax. The purpose of this grant program is to enhance the tourism experience, retain and increase visitation and overnight stays within Franklin County, improve the county as a destination market for leisure travel, and to provide bike and walking trails which benefit the community and enhance the quality of life for county residents.
Seven projects were awarded funding for the 2017 round. The projects include: Greene Township, $100,000 for Phase 1 of the Conococheague Trail project; the Coyle Free Library, $50,000 for the restoration of the cornice work during the renovation of the library; Totem Pole Playhouse, $35,000 to improve the stormwater drainage on site and to increase the restroom capacity at the facility; Franklin County Historical Society, $35,000 for the design and installation of a climate control system for the archival storage areas; Capitol Theatre, $20,000 for the replacement of wiring, electric controls and lighting fixture; Historic Letterkenny Chapel and Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park, $6,000 for installation of a low voltage LED lighting system to illuminate the kiosks and the Trail of Service and the planting of trees and shrubbery in the park; and Healthy Franklin County, $4,000 for the creation of a walking/running routes webpage and booklet.