WMRT extension
for the Western Maryland Rail Trail
C&O Canal National Historical Park has announced a 36-day period, starting July 11 and ending August 15, 2011, to solicit public comments on potential alternatives for the proposed extension of the Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT). The park is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the extension from Pearre Station to the parking lot at Paw Paw Tunnel. The length of the proposed project is approximately 15 miles.
Park officials have published documents concerning the project. These documents can be found on the NPS Planning, Environment & Public Comment (PEPC) website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/choh. The project title is Western Maryland Rail Trail: Pearre Station to Paw Paw.
Questions which the park is posing to the public are:
- Do you feel that the preliminary alternatives present a reasonable range of alternatives? Please elaborate.
- Are there any other alternatives that you would like to suggest?
- Are there any cultural (historic) or natural resources within the project area that are of concern for you, and why are these of concern?
- What is the most important project element?
Written comments should be submitted through the PEPC website or via postal letter.
The park will hold two public meetings on potential alternatives. These informational meetings will be held in an “Open House” format. Doors will be open from 6:00 p.m.to 8:30 p.m. NPS planning staff will be on hand to answer questions. Locations and dates are:
- July 13 - Hancock Town Hall Building, 126 West High Street,Hancock, MD 21750
- July 14 - Paw Paw School,60 Pirate Circle, Paw Paw, WV 25434
