WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rails to Trails Conservancy announced new development milestones along the Great American Rail-Trail as the cross-country trail project marked its seventh anniversary.
The advocacy organization said projects in Ohio, Indiana, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Washington state advanced this spring through new trail openings, land agreements, and construction efforts tied to the 3,700-mile route.
The Great American Rail-Trail is designed to connect Washington, D.C., and Washington state through a multi-use trail spanning 12 states.
According to Rails to Trails Conservancy, more than 125 miles of new trail have been completed since the route was introduced in 2019. The organization said more than $161 million in public and private funding has been invested in the project.
RTC said the trail is now nearly 56% complete, with more than 160 additional miles currently in development.
Kevin Belle, project director for the Great American Rail-Trail, said several of the latest projects have been under development for years.
“When multiple states are simultaneously cutting ribbons, breaking ground and acquiring land it sends a powerful message about the value of this infrastructure,” Belle said.
In Ohio, officials reached an agreement with Norfolk Southern allowing the city of London to move forward with plans to complete the final 0.8-mile gap in the Ohio to Erie Trail corridor.
The connection would create a continuous 104-mile trail route between Dayton and the northern Columbus suburbs.
In Indiana, the Miami Central Trail opened April 25 in Bunker Hill, adding five miles to the Great American route and extending the connected Nickel Plate Trail segment to 11.9 miles.
Nebraska officials and the Northwest Nebraska Trails Association also opened the first mile of the Cowboy Trail Connection in Chadron, part of an effort to connect the community to the 200-mile Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail.
In Wyoming, Casper completed three additional miles of the Platte River Trail extending east toward Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park.
Cynthia Lummis said the expansion provides additional recreational access for residents and visitors.
In Washington state, new segments of the Sound to Olympics Trail are scheduled to open this spring in Kitsap County’s Port Gamble Park.
Rails to Trails Conservancy estimates the completed trail could generate more than $229 million in annual economic activity for communities along the route.
Additional information about the project is available at Great American Rail-Trail.
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