PA Governor Shapiro Announces Grant for White Pine Country Store Fuel Tank Replacement

Support for White Pine Country Store

• 💡 Kim Manego and her daughter Megan are highlighted for their initiative in purchasing the White Pine Country Store and their commitment to revitalizing the community.
• ⚠️ The store faced a critical challenge when its underground fuel storage tank was found to have leaks, necessitating replacement and posing a significant financial hurdle.
• 🤝 The community, including local leaders and state agencies, rallied to support the business owners in finding a solution.

Governor Shapiro's Announcement and Vision

• 💰 Governor Josh Shapiro announced a grant of $162,461 to the White Pine Country Store for the replacement of the outdated fuel storage tank.
• 🚀 This funding is crucial for restoring a vital service to the community and supporting the PA pilot project and ATV/snowmobile tourism initiatives.
• 🏞️ Shapiro emphasized the importance of outdoor recreation to Pennsylvania's economy, contributing $19 billion annually and supporting 168,000 jobs.
• 🗺️ The White Pine Country Store is a critical stop on the North Central Regional ATV Trail system, which spans 600 miles and generated over $13 million in economic impact for Potter and Tyoga counties in 2023.

Collaboration and Economic Impact

• 🤝 The project exemplifies bipartisan cooperation and effective teamwork between state agencies, local leaders, and private businesses.
• 📈 Businesses along the ATV trail system have seen a 40% increase in revenues due to increased tourism and community support.
• 🎯 The initiative is presented as a potential model for other communities in Pennsylvania to foster economic growth through outdoor recreation and small business support.

Community and Future Outlook

• ⛰️ Potter County Commissioners highlighted the county's challenges, including population decline and youth out-migration, and initiatives like "Revitalize Potter County" to address these issues.
• 🌟 Appreciation was expressed for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for their significant investments and support in Potter County.
• ✅ Governor Shapiro pledged continued support for the region, emphasizing the commitment to fixing the fuel pump immediately and fostering future collaboration.