Senator Gordner Chairs Center for Rural PA Board

(HARRISBURG) – State Senator John R. Gordner (R-27) is the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania at the State Capitol. The Center for Rural Pennsylvania is a bipartisan, bicameral legislative agency that serves as a resource for rural policy within the Pennsylvania General Assembly. It was created in 1987 under Act 16, the Rural Revitalization Act, to promote and sustain the vitality of Pennsylvania's rural and small communities.

"I represent a rural district, and the work done at the Center is a natural extension of my work in the General Assembly to help make our area a better place to live, work and raise our kids," said Senator Gordner, who had served as the Center Board's Vice-Chairman for the past year.

Senator Gordner said the Center works with executive agencies and federal, regional and community organizations to maximize resources and strategies that can better serve the needs of Pennsylvania's 3.4 million rural residents. The Center promotes and sustains the vitality of Pennsylvania's rural and small communities by awarding grants for applied research and model projects, publishing research and project results, maintaining and disseminating information on rural trends and conditions, and sponsoring local, state and national forums on rural issues.

Center Executive Director Barry L. Denk said he looks forward to working with the new Chairman. "Senator Gordner has been a valuable member of the Center's Board of Directors, and in his new role as Chairman will be able to significantly impact policy and direction on rural issues," said Mr. Denk.

As part of its 2006 Grant Program, the Center is sponsoring research on wind energy, water quality, workforce development, unemployment, school district building needs, organic feed development, and education.

Senator John Gordner (r) confers with Dr. Keith Miller, President of Lock Haven University and a member of the board of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, prior to the February 6 meeting of the Board in Harrisburg.