State Sen. John Yudichak, D-Luzerne/Carbon, announced that more than $2.5 million in Community Conservation Partnership Program grants were awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to communities in the 14th senatorial district.

"Investing in the conservation and recreational assets of the communities of Luzerne and Carbon counties is a sound investment that improves the quality of life throughout northeastern Pennsylvania," Yudichak said.The following grants were awarded in Carbon County:• East Penn Township: $30,000 for further development of the East Penn boating facility at Riverview Park.• Lehighton Borough: $200,000 for rehabilitation and further development of Baer Memorial Park.• Lehighton Borough: $40,000 to prepare a master site development plan and a Recreation Center feasibility study for the approximately 4-acre Grove Park.• Summit Hill Borough: $40,000 for further development of Ginder Field.A number of grants were also awarded in Luzerne County.Yudichak worked to secure the funding for local communities with area state Reps. Mike Carroll, Doyle Heffley, Gerald Mullery, Eddie Day Pashinski and Tarah Toohil.