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Contact: Johnny Carawan, (570) 460-2488
BUSHKILL, PA: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Superintendent John J. Donahue announced that onThursday, May 23, 2013, at2:30 p.m., representatives from Kinder Morgan, the parent company of Tennessee Gas,will gather at Milford Beach to hand deliver a check for $41,000 to federal, state, and local officials, thereby providing funding to ensure that Milford Beach stays open for the summer season. In order to identify a solution to the closure, Governor Corbett's Northeast Regional Office coordinated the efforts between the company, Congressman Marino's office, the Pike County Commissioners, and concerned citizens.
Initially closed as a result of sequestration, Milford Beach is very popular with boaters and anglers desiring access to the northern stretch of the river and with hikers and cyclists using the McDade Recreational Trail. It is also the only section of lifeguarded beach in the northern section of the river and the beach, pavilion, and picnic areas are highly used. It offers a grassy beach complete with picnic areas, a pavilion, restrooms, a boat launch, and a canoe launch. It is a major site used by canoe liveries, providing river trips to area tourists. "In these difficult times, Kinder Morgan wanted to help ensure local residents had continued access to a valuable recreation area; and we are pleased to make this significant donation to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and continue our commitment to a community partnership with Pike County and all of our asset areas," said Allen Fore, Director of Public Affairs for Kinder Morgan. Regional Director for Governor Corbett's Northeast Pennsylvania office, Harry Forbes, stated "Governor Corbett is committed to working together on cooperative efforts between government and private industry and this effort is a great model for the future." Superintendent Donahue stated, "Milford Beach is a popular destination for tourists visiting the town of Milford and the community relies heavily on the tourism to support their economy. I am appreciative of everyone working together at this time to help us identify a solution for keeping Milford Beach open and for helping to drive tourists to the area. Kinder Morgan's generous donation is greatly appreciated." About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 395 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov. |
Last updated: April 14, 2015