Clarion County commissioners approved two resolutions Tuesday that will aid in the rehabilitation of the East Brady tunnel.
The first resolution was to apply for a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant for $500,000. The grant is a 50-50 match that has already been secured.
The second resolution is for a Department of Community and Economic Development Greenways, Trails and Recreation program grant for $250,000. It is an 85-15 match and the match has already been secured.
Although the tunnel is well above the flood plain, there is still plenty of water in the tunnel. A 20-foot hole has developed in the ceiling that threatens the stability of the tunnel.
“Right now you could kayak in the tunnel,” said Ziegler.
Last year the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources awarded a $663,400 grant to the Allegheny Valley Land Trust for work on the tunnel project.
That grant is a 50-50 match but funds from a PennVEST grant can be used as the match. The total funding available is $1,326,900.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the tunnel rehabilitation project is scheduled May 10.