Passage Provides Uninterrupted Hiking, Biking from DC to Pittsburgh - Boost to Tourism
Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) honored the Great Allegheny Passage this week in the Congressional Record. Today marks the completion of the Great Allegheny Passage. This 150 mile trail provides an uninterrupted non-motorized passageway for travelers to hike or bike from Cumberland, Maryland, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The passage is expected to boost tourism in the area.
The Great Allegheny Passage connects to the C&O Canal Towpath, which leads from Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland, creating an uninterrupted route between our Nation’s capital and the Forks of the Ohio.
"The Great Allegheny Passage is truly a unique path through a significant corridor. I encourage Pennsylvanians and all Americans to enjoy the natural beauty of America by visiting the Great Allegheny Passage, now, and for years to come," said Senator Casey.
“We thank Senator Casey for providing his ongoing support for the Great Allegheny Passage and for honoring this momentous occasion with the American flag along with making it a part of Congressional history with providing the Congressional Record, “ said Linda Boxx, President of the Allegheny Trail Alliance
Senator Casey also had a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol that was transported by the twelve bikers that traveled from D.C to Pittsburgh. The flag will be raised over Point State Park on Saturday, June 15th to mark the final completion of the Great Allegheny Passage.
Senator Casey's full remarks are attached and below:
GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE
Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, Saturday, June 15 2013 marks the completion of the Great Allegheny Passage. This 150 mile trail provides an uninterrupted non-motorized passageway for travelers to hike or bike from Cumberland, Maryland, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Great Allegheny Passage connects to the C&O Canal Towpath, which leads from Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland, creating an uninterrupted route between our Nation’s capital and the Forks of the Ohio.
President Theodore Roosevelt once stated, “Conservation means development as much as it does protection.” The Great Allegheny Passage is an excellent example of an area that Americans have worked to conserve in such a way. The development of the passage has greatly improved the trail, while preserving its natural beauty for all to enjoy.
The Great Allegheny Passage is a wonderful place for Americans of all ages to engage in our rich cultural history, enjoy the varied natural history of great river valleys, and experience a range from rural to urban communities.
The Great Allegheny Passage significantly benefits the surrounding communities in many ways. Trails increase the quality of life in a community. The proximity to rivers, trails, and greenways is an important factor when people and businesses are deciding where to live or invest in new properties. Employees who work near such areas will reduce their commuting costs by waking or biking to work.
The Great Allegheny Passage increases tourism to the surrounding areas. Americans realize that using such a trail is an environmentally responsible way to spend their time. The trail attracts people to the area, which greatly benefits the local communities. Trail users create a demand for more lodging, restaurants, and sporting equipment stores. New jobs will be created as entrepreneurs continue to bring tourism and service based businesses to the area.
The Great Allegheny Passage is truly a unique path through a significant corridor. I encourage Pennsylvanians and all Americans to enjoy the natural beauty of America by visiting the Great Allegheny Passage, now, and for years to come.
