C&O Canal Association Donates $25K to Fund Environmental Assessment for Big Slackwater Towpath Restoration

On Saturday, March 7, The C&O Canal Association presented a $25,000 donation to the National Park Service to support preparation of the Environmental Assessment for restoration of the eroded towpath in the Big Slackwater area of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Association President Rachel Stewart presented the check to C&O Canal National Historical Park Superintendent Kevin Brandt at the Association’s Annual Meeting in Williamsport, Maryland.

“The C & O Canal Association donation allows for a timely completion of the Environmental Assessment for Big Slackwater. This will help to ensure that the Big Slackwater restoration is eligible for possible funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” said Rachel Stewart, President of the C & O Canal Association. “Slackwater is the priority project for the C & O Canal Association.”

“Restoration of the Big Slackwater towpath will enhance visitor safety and encourage heritage tourism that will enhance local and regional economies,” said Stewart. “This area in Washington County is the only gap in the towpath between Georgetown and Cumberland, Maryland. Millions visit the C & O Canal Park every year and this gap forces hikers and bikers to make an unsafe 4.7-mile detour along public roads. The C & O Canal Association wants to do its part to restore the continuity of the historic route and make the journey a safe one for the many visitors who enjoy the national park.”

Superintendent Kevin Brandt enthusiastically thanked the Association for its work and called their donation “… an important step in bringing the project to fruition.”  He promised that work would begin promptly on the Environmental Assessment, which is a requirement for federal projects of this scope.

The C&O Canal Association is a citizens’ association concerned with the conservation of the natural and historical environment of the C&O Canal and the Potomac River Basin. The Association supports the National Park Service in its efforts to preserve and promote the 184-mile towpath and the open spaces within the C&O Canal NHP.

Big Slackwater background summary

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