State grant will boost recreational trails plan

The county is looking for a new planning commission director.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The Lawrence County Planning Department will use a $50,000 state grant to help the county identify areas where recreational trails can be developed.
County officials, at a county planning commission meeting Tuesday, explained they are looking at establishing walking and biking trails in various communities so that those trails can eventually be linked together to form one recreational trail that extends across the region.
James Gagliano, acting planning commission director, said the concept coincides with the county's overall development plan and fits into the city of New Castle's comprehensive land-use plan.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources awarded the county $25,000 for the project. That grant was matched with a $25,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Planning director
In other news, Gagliano said the county is accepting applications for the planning director's post. Gagliano recently moved to the county clerk/administrator position but continues assisting the planning department.
He said the county has not set a deadline for applications and r & eacute;sum & eacute;s to be received, but officials have agreed to accept applications until the post is filled.
The commission also nominated Frank Romeo as a director of the Lawrence County Conservation District. Romeo has said he is interested in serving another four-year term. His current term expires Dec. 31.
The conservation district will make the final decision on the appointment.