MOUNT JEWETT – An official of the Kinzua Bridge State Park
Foundation spoke Saturday about the proposed plans the state
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has for
improvements at the park, which was damaged heavily by an F-1
tornado in 2003.
In comments prepared for the opening ceremonies of the annual
festival, which continued through Sunday, foundation president Bill
Kilmer noted the DCNR has tentatively set aside $7 million for
restoring and enlarging the park.
“So far, $700,000 has been released for a study that is to begin
in the spring of 2007, with construction to start in 2008,” Kilmer
said.
In the plans are a museum and interpretative center. When the
viaduct is stabilized, park visitors will be able to walk onto the
bridge to an overlook enabling them to see the debris at the bottom
of the gorge. That debris, which is state property, will remain
there, according to Kilmer.
The state park is slated to be the site of a maintenance complex
for this and two other area state parks.
Also in the plans are turnarounds for tourist buses and a
wilderness camping area.
State Rep. Kathy Rapp, R-Warren, whose 65th Legislative District
includes Hamlin Township, where the park is located, spoke briefly,
commending the volunteers who planned this event and pledged her
support in obtaining state grants for the park’s restoration and
improvements.
Mary Ann Burggraf, executive director of the foundation,
introduced the officers and directors. In addition to Kilmer, they
are Dale DeLong, vice-president; Debbie Lunden, secretary; and
Debbie Kilmer, treasurer. Directors are Debbie Kilmer, Lunden,
Ginger Stidd, DeLong, Greg Johnson, Gary Reigel and Jim Trussell.
“Sis” Kilmer is an honorary member and Tom Kilmer is the park
attendant.
Burggraf said that all proceeds from the festival are used for
the restoration of the park and bridge.
“All entertainers donate their time,” she said.
Burggraf also welcomed Tom Cappello of Warren, who brought his
antique electric toy trains to the festival for the first time and
had them operating, much to the enjoyment of young and old
alike.
