1500 North Second Street
Suite 11
Harrisburg, PA 17102

Phone: (717) 234-6616
Fax: (717) 234-6692
kwashington@ruralinc.org

Counties Served: Adams, Clarion, Clearfield, Franklin, Luzerne, Montour, Somerset

Incorporated: 1985

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Adams County, named after President John Adams, is nicknamed "Apple Capital, USA" because it produces more apples than any county in the Commonwealth; more than 20,000 acres are dedicated to fruit production. It is also the home of Gettysburg, one of the most famous battlefields of the Civil War. Clarion County has nearly 160,000 acres of forest, including Cook Forest, which has the largest stand of virgin white pines east of the Mississippi River, and is a National Natural Landmark. Clearfield County is named for Clearfield Creek, a name referencing the abundance of clear fields in its vicinity. Franklin County, part of the beautiful Cumberland Valley, is named for Benjamin Franklin. Franklin County is also known as Civil War Country because it sustained more military activity during the Civil War than any comparable area north of the Mason-Dixon line.

Luzerne County is named for the Chevalier de la Luzerne, an early French minister to the United States. It is home to mountains, streams, lakes, and valleys. Montour County is named for Madame Montour, a woman of Indian and French descent, who was prominent in colonial Indian affairs. The county is home to farmlands, state game lands, state forests, and nature preserves. Ricketts Glen, one of several nearby state parks is a Registered National Natural Landmark with more than 22 waterfalls. Somerset County contains ten covered bridges, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania with an elevation of 3,213 feet.

Despite the impressive natural beauty and historic significance of these counties, they all share similar problems: a lack of affordable housing and economic opportunities. These counties have an average poverty rate of 11 percent.