Open space preservation and outdoor recreation are important to Northampton County residents. At Northampton County Council's Sept. 19 meeting, council members learned of projects that would be eligible for Marcellus Shale Legacy funds or Act 13.

While a good portion of the impact fee revenues from Marcellus Shale are designated for highway bridge improvements, water and sewer projects and environmental stewardship, all counties in the state are allowed a distribution to be applied to greenways, recreation, open space and other comparable projects.

Uses for funds

Northampton County's open space coordinator Bryan Cope described to council members some uses for the legacy funds. One focus would be to complete a county-wide trail system by closing the trail gaps. Another would be to improve green infrastructure especially in urban areas.

With the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's assistance, 10 trail gaps were identified in the LVPC's "2013 Trails Inventory." Six of the 10 gaps are in Northampton County, such as the South Bethlehem Greenway Trail to Saucon Rail Trail, about 0.9 of a mile, and the Nor-Bath Trail to D&L Trail in Northampton Borough of about 1.2 miles.

Needed projects

Urban areas know the importance of controlling storm water, enhancing water and air quality and providing educational opportunities to the public. With legacy funds, highly visible areas could be designed or redesigned to take advantage of innovative, green infrastructure techniques. Funds could also assist with the permits and maintenance needed for the projects. New construction around Hellertown's Borough Hall was used as a model for greening a public area.

Recreation benefits

More American jobs (768,000) depend on trail sports than there are lawyers (728,200), according to the Outdoor Industry Association. With more jobs created, there is more money to be spent on outdoor equipment and clothing. With Northampton County's population expected to increase by 36 percent by 2040, it stands to reason that investing in greenways and recreation benefits the community and the economy.

Open space

In addition to these recreation and greenways projects, Marcellus Shale legacy funds are being requested to update the county's 21st century open space initiative.

Maria Bentzoni, the county's farmland preservation manager, told council that while the program has successfully preserved 12,505 acres of farmland on 125 farms and developed and rehabilitated or acquired 27 municipal parks, the plan's existing guidelines need to be reviewed and revised. Bentzoni said that the 10-year old plan needs to address properties that are falling between the gaps because they do not fit the current plan's criteria for funding or preservation.

Quality of life

At no cost to the county, an updated plan would establish better partnerships and improve the quality of life for urban, suburban and rural Northampton County residents.

Working with the LVPC and all past planning documents, the Open Space Initiative would conduct public meetings to plan for future projects and prioritize goals and recommendations.

With council's approval, a new plan could be developed in a year's time.

Council's next regular meeting is at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 3 at Northampton County Courthouse's third floor, 669 Washington St., Easton.