The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary visited Shawnee State Park in Bedford County on Wednesday to discuss how federal pandemic recovery funds could be used to update and repair infrastructure within state parks and forests.

When most people visit a state park or forest, they think of camping and hiking, but maybe not the infrastructure it takes to create a great experience in a park. So that’s why DCNR says it’s important to emphasize the infrastructure needs within state parks and forests.

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After the January collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh, Dunn thought it was time to tell the story of how the state parks and forests system has many bridges that need repairing, among other things.

“We’ve got about 1000 bridges and 150 of them are ranked poor. So, we see an opportunity to get some funding to repair this much needed part of our infrastructure through American Rescue Fund dollars,” said Dunn.

DCNR highlights infrastructure needs in state parks and forests. WJAC-TV, 3/30/2022.