Aquetong Spring Park Update: Grants and Funding

Since taking title to the 45 acres surrounding Aquetong Spring 10 years ago, Solebury Township committed to a financial plan for the restoration project that would assertively pursue county, state and federal grant funding in order to keep the cost to Solebury residents as low as possible. So far, that strategy is paying off: Every Solebury dollar spent has been matched by $2.15 of outside funding.

"This is a terrific return on investment as we bring this project to fruition," said Board of Supervisors Vice-Chair John Francis, who serves as liaison to the Aquetong Spring Advisory Committee. "Everyone's worked very hard to keep the park on a fast-paced schedule and on budget, resulting in the asset of a sustainable park and watershed for the future generations of Solebury to enjoy."

The greatest savings to Solebury have come in the last three years of park improvements. Plans to return the stream from Aquetong Spring to its natural state, restore native plants and trees, and develop a trail system for passive recreation were well-received at state and federal agencies, which provided matching funds and out-right grants for more than 79 percent of the costs.

Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provided a dollar-for-dollar match to the Township for park development, doubling Solebury's $250,000 investment. The Federal Highway Administration provided a $1 million Transportation Alternatives grant for recreational trails, and the federally-supported National Fish and Wildlife Foundation gave $250,000 for fish habitat restoration.

"Our plans for a natural, sustainable park were a good fit for a number of environmental grants," said Supervisor Kevin Morrissey, who served as the board liaison to the Aquetong Spring Advisory Committee earlier in its development. "Restoring the stream as a cold water habitat, planting native trees, and our plans for passive recreation matched nicely with the priorities of several state agencies."

The initial cost to acquire the land from the state -- a complicated effort requiring regulatory approval from several state and federal agencies -- and the cost to remove the dilapidated dam were split more-or-less evenly with Bucks County, with the Township funding $664,534 and the County granting $600,000 for the effort.

"It took many years to convince everyone that Solebury was unquestionably the best steward for this land and turn over the deed," said Supervisor Robert McEwan, who along with Francis coordinated the development of a master plan for the park. "Township residents, environmental groups, our local historical societies, and many others have worked together for over two decades, developing a vision for the park that expresses our shared values without exceeding our means."

All told, from acquisition to restoration, the Aquetong Spring Park project is budgeted to cost $3.5 million, of which nearly $2.4 million -- more than 68 percent -- has been funded by external grants.