Ohio River Trail

Ohio River Trail
Ohio River Trail Council
Logo of the Ohio River Trail Council
Formation May 26, 2009
Type Not-for-profit
Legal status 501(c)(3)-registered charity
Headquarters Monaca, Pennsylvania
Website Ohio River Trail Council

The Ohio River Trail (ORT) is a proposed route that would interconnect existing trails in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.[1][2] The proposal is spearheaded by the Ohio River Trail Council (ORTC), a volunteer-led, non-profit organization.[3] The ORTC is an Internal Revenue Service registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization which relies on corporate, foundation, government, and private grants and donations to achieve its stated mission of creating a multi-use trail along the Ohio River and its tributaries. The Council is headquartered in Monaca, Pennsylvania.

Contents

History

The Ohio River Trail Project was conceptualized on January 2, 2009, in coordination with Beaver County Planning Commission’s Shared Greenways & Environmental Planner Doniele Andrus; the Borough of Monaca Manager Mario Leone Jr [4]; and Dr. Vincent Troia.

On May 26, 2009, the Ohio River Trail Council (ORTC) was incorporated by Vincent Troia and Mario Leone, for the purpose of establishing a multi-use trail along the Ohio River to promote the growth in River & Trail towns of recreation, health, wellness, transportation, cultural and historical amenities, education, charity, the protection and conservation of natural resources and to stimulate the local economies.

The Trail and its proposed connections were conceived by Dr. Vincent Troia.

The Ohio River Trail Council began as a grass-roots effort to support a progressing state and national movement to develop greenways, especially since 1987 when President Reagan’s Commission on “American Outdoors” recommended establishing a national greenways network. Pennsylvania's state-wide greenways program was established by Governor Tom Ridge in 2001 to promote and support the greenway efforts occurring in all sixty-seven counties.

Proposed trails

The trail is proposed to run from the Point of Beginning (mile marker zero) at the OH-PA-WV state line near the Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail, a segment of the Great Ohio Lake-to-River Greenway, to the Beaver River Trail, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail via the Montour Trail in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail in Pittsburgh and the Great Allegheny Passage.[5] The proposed ORT is a critical and missing link to nationally-significant trail linkages in the tri-state area and is intended to become an important segment in a "mega-trail" from the Great Lakes region, through to Washington, D.C.[6]

In addition to the Tri-state Greenway, the ORTC also supports that the Ohio River Trail serve as part of the U.S. Bicycle Route System Route 50 and the Underground Railroad, Pittsburgh spur. The Ohio River Trail corridor is part of the National Park Service Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.

The Ohio River Trail is intended to improve the quality of life of its users by providing fitness and recreation opportunities. In addition, the ORT can serve as an alternative transportation corridor between communities, as well as reducing vehicle congestion and pollution. Plans also exist to enable the disabled to comfortably make use of the trail. [7] The project includes the reallocation of abandoned rail corridors, bridges, interurban or trolley lines, and canal towpaths as public multi-use trails. An emphasis exists on showcasing and preserving historical and cultural sites along the trail, alongside the establishment of an Ohio River Trail Museum and endorsement of the revitalization of the surrounding area.

The Trail is composed of twenty-seven (27) Western Pennsylvania communities. There are twelve (12) North Shore communities: Glasgow, Ohioville, Midland, Industry, Vanport Township, Beaver, Bridgewater, Fallston, New Brighton, Rochester, and Rochester Township. There are also ten (10) South Shore communities: Monaca, Center Township, Aliquippa, Hopewell Township, South Heights, Crescent Township, Moon Township, Coraopolis, and Montour Junction. Neville Township is the tenth community with the extension over the Neville Island Bridge. In addition, the North Shore Extension Communities include the boroughs of Ambridge, Leetsdale, Edgeworth and Sewickley. The Bradys Run Extension adds Patterson Township and Brighton Township.

The Ohio River Trail Council has also proposed the development the Ohio River Water Trail. The Water Trail will have canoe,kayak and rowing access to the Ohio River and its tributaries. Presently the Little Beaver Creek has access at Lock 57 Park in Ohioville, the Ohio River has access at Monaca, and the Beaver River has access at Bridgewater & Rochester's Riverfront Park. The ORTC will support the design, construction and the installation of a kayak and canoe launch site in these areas with amenities including signage and a canoe/kayak storage rack.

The project is expected to bring economic boons to Western Pennsylvania through the growth of the construction and maintenance industries, in addition to tourism-related opportunities such as rafting tours, bicycle sales and rentals, restaurants, and lodging.

Current status

The campaign to build the rail trail that will eventually link Lake Erie with Washington, D.C. via Beaver County, has progressed to the point that the organizers, Vincent Troia and Mario Leone, are prepared to display their work.[8] In an interview with Beaver County Times journalist Michael Pound, regarding the status of the Ohio River Trail Project, the pair stated they have successfully solicited resolutions of support from the Beaver County communities,[9] through which the South Shore Trail would pass, and that they will soon have similar resolutions from the Allegheny County communities.

The cost of the South Shore feasibility study is estimated at $50,000. Leone and Troia stated that the not-for-profit organization has already put together sufficient money for the match required for a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The feasibility study has been awarded to Stromberg, Garrigan & Associates, and it is estimated to require six to ten months to complete.[10]

On January 6, 2010, the Ohio River Trail South Shore feasibility study began with a project steering committee meeting. The feasibility study for the south shore is expected to be completed in January 2011 at a projected cost of $40,000.[11][12]

On June 12, 2010, the "Plant a Wish" project took place at the Point of Beginning. The project was intended to raise awareness of the Ohio River Trail effort, with participants from Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia writing down their wishes on pieces of paper, which were then buried beneath the site of a newly planted tree.[13][14] It is hoped that the Point of Beginning will also host the beginning of a bike trail that would run up the Ohio River and conclude at Montour Creek.[15]

On July 28, 2010, the Council was awarded a $10,000 grant by the Port of Pittsburgh Commission on the understanding that it will be used to develop blueways and build bike and canoe racks at points in Rochester, Monaca, Bridgewater, and Ohioville.[16][17][18]

The cost of the North Shore feasibility study is estimated at $56,000. On October 14, 2010 the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources (DCNR) awarded the Ohio River Trail a $29,000 grant for the North Shore Feasibility Study. The North Shore Feasibility Study is expected to begin in January 2011. [19]

On October 15, 2010 the Ohio River Trail Council (ORTC) and our partner the Borough of Monaca, PA along with three of its partner municipalities, Aliquippa, Coraopolis and Midland has received a grant for a $150,000 United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Program Grant and Assistance to advance our ongoing regional brownfields revitalization. These municipalities have joined to undertake a grass-roots effort to re-think the future of our communities as a way to overcome the loss of a major portion of our manufacturing base and the post-industrial brownfields legacy that remains from that loss.[20] [21] [22] [23]

On October 25, 2010, the National Park Service (NPS) Rivers, Trails, and Conservation (RTCA) Program approved an application for a technical assistance grant for the Ohio River Trail Council. Over the next year, the NPS Rivers & Trails staff will assist the ORTC with the completion of a Feasibility Study and to expand public involvement in the project.[24] Efforts are underway to communicate and collaborate with other trail groups, and to establish a Tri-State Trail Alliance in order to increase visibility and success of each smaller trail component of a greater linking trail system. The National Park Service is proud to support such a capable partner and eager to help contribute to the ORT Initiative. Through the RTCA Program, the NPS helps communities and neighborhoods improve their important local resources, protect river resources, develop new trails and greenways and create and manage open space.[25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31]

"In September of 2010, a planning grant was awarded to the Friends of the Riverfront to begin an effort to connect the Three Rivers Heritage Trail from the City of Pittsburgh to Coraopolis. This eight mile segment will traverse through the City of Pittsburgh, McKees Rocks, Stowe Township, Moon Township, Neville Township and Coraopolis. This effort will compliment the work of the Ohio River Trail Council and Lawrence and Beaver Counties, which have completed trail feasibility work outside of Allegheny County. Once feasibility work from the City of Pittsburgh to Coraopolis is complete, we will have a good understanding of the opportunity for trail development along the Ohio River all the way to Ohio. In Ohio, groups are working to connect to our trail here in Pennsylvania. You will see a lot more activity along the Ohio River in 2011." [32]

See also

References

  1. ^ Pound, Michael (18 October 2009). "Biking, busing and buddying-up: Fewer commuters go it alone". Beaver County Times. http://www.ohiorivertrail.org/attachments/062_Biking,%20busing%20and%20buddying-up_Fewer%20commuters%20go%20it%20alone.pdf. Retrieved 3 May 2010. 
  2. ^ David, Brian (6 May 2010). "Council formed to plan trail link along Ohio River". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10126/1055757-57.stm. Retrieved 7 May 2010. 
  3. ^ "Welcome to the Ohio River Trail Council". Ohio River Trail Council. http://www.ohiorivertrail.org. Retrieved 18 March 2010. 
  4. ^ http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11184/1157941-57-0.stm?cmpid=localstate.xml
  5. ^ http://www.ohiorivertrail.org/attachments/124_Ohio%20River%20Trail%20Development%20in%20Allegheny%20County%202010.pdf
  6. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kasp9HkrUs
  7. ^ Schmitz, Jon (2 March 2011). "Advocates fret new rules for hiking, biking trails". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11061/1128932-455.stm. 
  8. ^ Pound, Michael (22 September 2009). "Plans coming together for Ohio River Trail". Beaver County Times. http://www.ohiorivertrail.org/attachments/062_Plans%20coming%20together%20for%20Ohio%20River%20Trail.pdf. Retrieved 3 May 2010. 
  9. ^ Giambroni, Tom (21 June 2009). "County supports bike trail extension". The Review (East Liverpool, Ohio). http://www.reviewonline.com/page/content.detail/id/515711.html/. Retrieved 18 March 2010. 
  10. ^ Pound, Michael (4 May 2010). "Trail-building effort picks up steam". Beaver County Times. http://www.ohiorivertrail.org/attachments/062_Trail_building%20effort%20picks%20up%20steam.pdf. Retrieved 21 April 2010. 
  11. ^ David, Brian (15 July 2010). "Ohio River Trail study nears end". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. http://post-gazette.com/pg/10196/1072829-57.stm. Retrieved 17 July 2010. 
  12. ^ Walsh, Larry (17 July 2010). "A lot of good news for bicyclists to cheer about". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10198/1073410-139.stm. Retrieved 19 July 2010. 
  13. ^ "Plant a Wish". The Review. 10 June 2010. http://www.reviewonline.com/page/content.detail/id/527793.html. Retrieved 14 June 2010. 
  14. ^ Schwendeman, Katie (13 June 2010). "Tri-state united for Plant a Wish". The Review. http://www.reviewonline.com/page/content.detail/id/527793.html. Retrieved 14 June 2010. 
  15. ^ David, Brian (15 July 2010). "Point of Beginning may get bike trail". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. http://post-gazette.com/pg/10196/1072803-57.stm. Retrieved 17 July 2010. 
  16. ^ Pound, Michael (28 July 2010). "Ohio River Trail Council receives $10,000 grant". Beaver County Times. http://www.ohiorivertrail.org/attachments/124_Ohio%20River%20Trail%20Council%20receives%20$10,000%20grant.pdf. Retrieved 29 July 2010. 
  17. ^ Hayes, John (1 August 2010). "Plan for water trail gets funding". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10213/1076518-140.stm. Retrieved 4 August 2010. 
  18. ^ Santoni, Matthew (5 August 2010). "River users may get trails in waterways". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_693530.html. Retrieved 6 August 2010. 
  19. ^ "October 20, 2010 press release". http://www.ohiorivertrail.org/attachments/124_ORTC_DCNR%20North%20Shore%20Press%20Release%20October%2020,%202010.pdf. 
  20. ^ http://www.ohiorivertrail.org/attachments/124_ORTC_Monaca%20EPA%20Press%20Release%20February%202,%202011.pdf
  21. ^ "Grant to help tackle brownfields in Monaca". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 3 March 2011. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11062/1129098-57.stm. 
  22. ^ http://www.ohiorivertrail.org/attachments/062_Ohio%20River%20Trail%20group%20receives%20federal%20grant.pdf
  23. ^ http://www.ohiorivertrail.org/attachments/062_Grant%20to%20help%20identify%20new%20use%20for%20local%20land.pdf
  24. ^ http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca/whatwedo/projects/PA.pdf
  25. ^ http://www.ohiorivertrail.org/attachments/124_ORTC_NPS%20Press%20Release%20January%2018,%202011.pdf
  26. ^ http://www.ohiorivertrail.org/attachments/161_ORTC_National%20Park%20Service%20RTCA%20Grant%202010.pdf
  27. ^ http://www.ohiorivertrail.org/attachments/124_Ohio%20River%20Trail%20Council%20gets%20assistance%20from%20feds.pdf
  28. ^ http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_718766.html
  29. ^ "National Park Service to assist Ohio River trail study". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 20 January 2011. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11020/1119249-57.stm. 
  30. ^ http://www.ohiorivertrail.org/attachments/124_Ohio%20River%20Trail%20Council%20gets%20assistance%20from%20feds.pdf
  31. ^ Nass, Shannon M. (20 February 2011). "Ohio River Trail gets support". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11051/1126364-140.stm. 
  32. ^ http://www.friendsoftheriverfront.org/misc_docs/Riverfront%20Report%202010%20Web.pdf

External links

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