The state wants your opinion on a new grant program made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“We are seeking input and feedback from the public and local government officials to make sure the state is using its share of the recovery funding as effectively and efficiently as possible,” said Pa. Department of Environmental Protection acting Secretary John Hanger.

More than $23 million will be available to local governments and nonprofit entities in Pennsylvania through the new Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program to reduce energy costs and promote conservation, according to the DEP.

Guidelines for the grant program are available for public review and comment at www.recovery.pa.gov under the heading “Where is your money going?” and then by clicking on “Energy Independence.”

Comments will be accepted until Friday, May 15, and should be sent to epeecbgcomments@state.pa.us.

Following the review of public comments and recommendations, the department anticipates accepting new applications for the program beginning Monday, June 15.

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Would you rather be outside than stuck indoors in the rain? Well, some local runners will brave the elements this Wednesday at Warwick Park when XTERRA holds its 2009 Revenge Trail Run.

Starting at 7 p.m. racers will set off on a challenging mix of dirt trails, gravel roads, twisting roots, loose rocks, and steep ascents. Anyone can enter. To register in advance for the 5 kilometer event, visit www.runreg.com. Entry fee for the race will be $15 in advance, $20 on race day.

There is free parking at Warwick Park, 382 County Park Road. There will be a large prize raffle and a pizza party will be held following the event.

“We are very excited to be hosting the 2009 XTERRA Philly Trail Run Series. We had a very competitive series last year in all age groups, and this year is shaping up to be even better," said Dan Morrison, the race director.

This is the first of five races in the 2009 XTERRA Philly Trail Run Series. The season kicks off with a series of shorter fun runs and gradually builds up to the half-marathon distance Xduro finale on July 19 in Macungie. Top runners at each event earn points toward their series totals and vie for a chance to race in Hawaii.

For more information about the XTERRA Trail Run Series, visit www.xterratrailrun.com.

Additional information can be found at www.Mid-Atlanticevents.com or by contacting race director Don Morrison at morrisd1@aol.com or calling 610-327-4843.

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Bicyclists from around the state are converging today on the state Capitol to show support for House Bill 1110 and Senate Bill 776, which would require motorists to provide a safe passing distance when driving by bicyclists. The bills would also require drivers who are making right-hand turns to yield to bicyclists who are traveling straight on the roadway.

Rep. David Kessler, D-Berks, will speak at the rally, which will assemble at the Farm Show Complex off Cameron Street starting at 8:30 a.m. The rally is planned for 10 a.m. on the Capitol steps. Bicyclists from Berks County are expected to attend.