State Rep. Julie Harhart (R-Lehigh/Northampton) has announced that after facilitating meetings among area local municipalities, the Northern Lehigh Community Center and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, a $10,000 Peer-to-Peer Study Grant has been awarded.

"It was a pleasure to work with local officials to secure the necessary funding to move forward in a collaborative effort to bring more recreational and park opportunities to area residents," said Harhart."I commend Slatington and Walnutport boroughs and Washington Township for their willingness to work together toward shared goals. It is this type of teamwork that will improve the quality of life in our area and open the door for more opportunities to work together."Following a meeting in which Harhart brought all the parties together, it was decided that in order for the community center to maximize its funding opportunities, it wouldbe best for the localmunicipalities to apply jointly for municipalfunding to strategize long-term joint goals.DCNR approved the grant under the department's Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93), which the municipalities will use to assist in the building of a regional organization that will work to improve recreation, park and open space opportunities in the local area.DCNR has relied on Key 93 to support conservation efforts and infrastructure improvement that protect the natural resources of the commonwealth and provide a safe and healthy setting for public recreation.Funding is used to rehabilitate and upgrade state park and forestry infrastructure based on priorities such as health, safety and natural resource and open space protection and conservation.