For Immediate Release
March 3, 2009
Contact: Casey Long
(717) 787-7084

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Scarnati Announces $2 Million in Funding For Kinzua Bridge Discovery/Visitors Center

The Kinzua Bridge Discovery/Visitors Center in McKean County will benefit from $2 million in funding from the state’s Capital Budget, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson), who has pushed hard for completion of the tourism and economic development project.

Scarnati said the new center, located along the Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway with access from scenic Route 6 near Mount Jewett, will become the northern gateway to the Pennsylvania Wilds.  The park was chosen for the development of the facility as part of the larger initiative to promote the Pennsylvania Wilds and nature tourism in North Central Pennsylvania.“

This funding will reap huge dividends for our economy, our environment and for tourism promotion in McKean County and this entire region,” Scarnati said.  “When completed, the center will be a place for future generations to experience, enjoy and learn from.”

The Visitors Center will include interactive displays, classrooms, conference space, a gift shop, office space, and an observation point at the rear of the building for visitors to enjoy views of the historic Kinzua Viaduct.  

“This funding will offer a new, four-season attraction within our region and promote tourism, create new job opportunities and showcase the beauty of this area,” Scarnati said. “It will bring back jobs, visitors and tourism to the area that had been lost since the historic Kinzua Viaduct collapsed during a 2003 tornado.” 

It is estimated that visitation has decreased from 150,000 annually before the storm to less than 30,000. Since the collapse of the bridge, the economic loss to the region has been estimated at $5.7 million annually.  

The new Visitors Center will be designed as “green architecture” that is energy efficient, conserves water, and uses both recycled and natural, locally manufactured materials when feasible. 

The building will be marketed for school field trips, group tours and family excursions. It will provide learning opportunities both within the building and outdoors, including programs and exhibits that will educate and enhance the visitor’s ability to understand, observe and appreciate the natural resources and historical significance of the region.