Grant powers Galeton’s lone fuel pump and keeps ATV tourism rolling as Pennsylvania readies $65 million for America’s 250th celebration
(IN SHORT) Pennsylvania’s DCED is awarding a $162,461 Marketing to Attract Tourists grant to the White Pine Country Store, Café & Lodge in Galeton to replace gas pump storage tanks and reopen the area’s only fuel pump—vital for ATV riders on the 600-mile Northcentral Regional ATV Trail. Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the grant’s role in sustaining Potter County’s outdoor recreation economy, while DCED Secretary Rick Siger highlighted its importance for visitors’ access and the broader “Great American Getaway” campaign. Local leaders, including business owner Kim Manchego, ATV Club co-founder Brad Smith, and Commissioner Paul Heimel, praised the investment. The trail generated $13.1 million in economic impact for Potter and Tioga counties in 2023, up from $10.4 million in 2022. Statewide tourism is booming, with 197 million visitors in 2023 producing $80.8 billion in total economic impact, $47.9 billion in visitor spending, and supporting 507,000 jobs. Preparing for America’s 250th in 2026, Governor Shapiro’s proposed 2025–26 budget allocates $65 million for events and promotions, including support for America250PA, regional security and the Tourism Promotion Fund.
(PRESS RELEASE) GALETON, PA, 2025-Jul-22 — /Travel PR News/ — The White Pine Country Store, Café & Lodge is getting the fuel flowing again—literally—thanks to a $162,461 Marketing to Attract Tourists grant from Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The funding will pay for new gas pump storage tanks so the Galeton store can safely reopen its fuel pump, the only one for miles, safeguarding a crucial stop for riders on the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail and keeping ATV tourism roaring through the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Governor Josh Shapiro underscored how the investment strengthens outdoor recreation and small-business vitality: “White Pine Country Store has long been a hub for residents and travelers alike — whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat, stocking up on fishing gear, or gearing up to hit the ATV trails,” said Governor Shapiro. “This store sits at the heart of the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail, one of the Commonwealth’s premier outdoor recreation destinations — but without a working gas pump, folks couldn’t fuel up for the ride. With this investment, we’re supporting a key local business and keeping the outdoor recreation economy growing here in Potter County.”
DCED’s Marketing to Attract Tourists program is designed to draw some of the 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive of Pennsylvania—inviting them to discover The Great American Getaway. “Ensuring there is readily available fuel for residents and outdoor enthusiasts is critical to the continued success of the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail in Potter County,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “DCED is proud to support the local economy and help more people experience the many great attractions that Pennsylvania has to offer. Investments like this one at White Pine keeps these ATVs fueled up and ensures Pennsylvania visitors can experience their own Great American Getaway.”
Local stakeholders echoed that sentiment. “We are most grateful to Governor Shapiro for his keen awareness on the importance of this infrastructure, and his staff’s perseverance in finding a pathway to finance this project,” said Kim Manchego, Owner, White Pine Country Store. “The focus of enhancing and expanding tourism is the lifeline to success of White Pine and my fellow business owners.”
“The Potter County ATV/UTV Club was founded in 2020 in response to growing conversations about the need for responsible advocacy, focused on expanding trail access and providing youth safety training at the local level,” said Brad Smith, Co-Founder, Potter County ATV/UTV Club. “The Club extends its sincere gratitude to Governor Shapiro and all those involved who contributed to finding a solution to meet this need.”
“I’ve lived here for 70 years, and I have watched the impact of my two favorite Pennsylvania State agencies — the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Community and Economic Development — again and again, come through for Potter County,” said Paul Heimel, Vice Chair, Potter County Commissioners.
Stretching more than 600 miles across Clinton, Lycoming, Potter and Tioga counties, the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail is only in its second full year yet already ranks among Pennsylvania’s premier outdoor attractions. A 2023 study pegged the trail system’s economic impact at $13.1 million for Potter and Tioga counties—up from $10.4 million in 2022—demonstrating rapid growth.
Tourism is central to Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy. New figures show the state welcomed nearly 197 million visitors in 2023, driving a record $80.8 billion in total economic impact. Visitor spending hit $47.9 billion (surpassing pre-pandemic levels), supporting more than 507,000 jobs—one in 16 across the Commonwealth—and generating $10.1 billion in government revenue, including $4.8 billion in state and local taxes.
Looking toward America’s 250th birthday in 2026, Pennsylvania is poised for the spotlight. Major events statewide—from NCAA March Madness to the FIFA World Cup and MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia, the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, and the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh—will draw global attention. To seize that opportunity, Governor Shapiro’s 2025–26 proposed budget calls for $65 million to prepare, including $2.5 million to continue America250PA, $15 million for Regional Event Security, a $10 million increase to promote the 250th celebration, and $36.5 million in the Tourism Promotion Fund to plan and execute these marquee events.
With nearly 72 million potential visitors within easy driving distance, Pennsylvania invites everyone to chart The Great American Getaway—not just one destination but an entire state of weekend-worthy experiences. Travelers can find regional recommendations and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X, TikTok, YouTube or Spotify to start planning.
Media contact:
kaburger@pa.gov
SOURCE: visitPA
