Galeton, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro visited Potter County to announce that
the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is awarding a
$162,461 grant to the White Pine Country Store, Café & Lodge through the Marketing to
Attract Tourists program. During a visit to the Galeton business, the Governor
highlighted how the investment will support outdoor recreation and local tourism by
funding the necessary replacement of the store’s gas pump storage tanks — allowing
the only gas pump for miles to safely reopen.
DCED’s Marketing to Attract Tourists program supports the Commonwealth’s tourism
industry by helping communities attract some of the 72 million people who live within a
four-hour drive of Pennsylvania — inviting them to experience The Great American
Getaway.
“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.”
The White Pine Country Store, Café & Lodge is located near the Northcentral Regional
ATV Trail, which offers more than 600 miles of connected roads and trails
across Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga counties. Now in its second full year,
the trail has quickly become one of Pennsylvania’s premier outdoor recreation
destinations. A recent study found the trail system generated $13.1 million in economic
impact for Potter and Tioga counties in 2023 — up from $10.4 million the previous year.
“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.”
“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, CoFounder, 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.
