FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2024
Contact: Josh Raulerson, Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Phone: (412) 481-9400 ext. 408
Email: [email protected]
PEC Receives Grant for Trail Connectivity in Pennsylvania, New York
Pittsburgh — Plans for a multi-use trail network encompassing western Pennsylvania and western New York are taking shape with new funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). A partnership led by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) will study the potential for connecting existing trails under ARC’s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE), which has invested more than $88 million in the region since 2023 to drive large-scale economic transformation.
PEC, in partnership with GoBike Buffalo and Cattaraugus County, NY, envisions a network of multi-use trails across 13 counties and the Seneca Nation of Indians. While existing trails already drive tourism to the region, the connectivity study will facilitate collaboration across state and municipal lines as partners work toward a cohesive strategy to increase regional economic growth, community well-being, and outdoor recreation access.
The project received support last week in the form of a $72,219 ARISE grant, which will be matched by PEC.
“A cohesive trail network like this will attract outdoor enthusiasts, bolster tourism, expand active transportation options, and activate rural economies through increased visitor spending along the corridor,” said Brett Hollern, PEC’s Vice President for Western Pennsylvania. “All of this work is aimed at improving quality of life, fostering economic growth — particularly in rural areas — and continuing to fortify the impressive trail credentials of both states and tribal lands.”
Existing trail networks — including the Industrial Heartlands Trails Coalition, PA Wilds Loop, Southern Tier Trail, and the Empire State Trail — will be leveraged to develop a trail system spanning the western side of both states, with the potential to eventually connect Pittsburgh with Buffalo and beyond.
PEC and partners will engage communities during the planning process to understand the needs and concerns of residents and gather feedback from a broad range of stakeholders. The project will examine trail alignments, evaluate community readiness, and review existing studies, culminating in an implementation plan and recommendations for future action.
PEC has a long history of involvement both in developing long-distance trails and celebrating the economic success of trail communities. Trails are proven economic generators. For example, the Great Allegheny Passage, which spans 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, had an estimated $121 million economic impact in 2019 and attracts more than one million trail users each year.
The work also aligns with state-level initiatives including the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ efforts to develop a statewide land and water trail network, with the ultimate goal of providing a trail within 10 minutes of every Pennsylvanian.
About the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC)
Founded in 1970, PEC’s mission is to protect and restore the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education, and advocacy. We work closely with government, business, nonprofit, and community stakeholders to advance our shared goals in energy and climate policy, trail development and outdoor recreation, watershed protection and restoration, reforestation, and conservation-focused economic development. PEC is active throughout the Commonwealth, with regional offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, State College, and Dallas, PA. Learn more at www.pecpa.org.