Carper, Coons, Carney congratulate Maryland delegation for funding to construct the C&D Canal Trail

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Representative John Carney today congratulated Maryland’s Congressional delegation on their announcement of a total of $2,060,000 in U.S. Department of Transportation funding for a 1.8 mile expansion of the Chesapeake & Delaware (C&D) Canal Trail in the state of Maryland.

“This federal funding for the Maryland portion of the C&D Canal recreational trail — which will be along the northern bank of the Canal — will enable our two states to create a truly unique recreational opportunity that will help promote a healthy lifestyle and revitalize two cities,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “I cannot wait for the day that bikers, runners, and walkers can cross the Delaware-Maryland border on this trail, and I am confident that this trail will become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.”

“Delawareans and Marylanders have always worked together to conserve our shared environment and recreational resources, and I’m pleased to have the C&D Canal Trail be a visual representation of those efforts,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons. “There are many people involved, across both our states, who have been working diligently to see the construction of the Michael N. Castle Trail. I want to congratulate Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin and all members of the Maryland Congressional delegation for this wonderful announcement and I look forward to the final completion of the trail.”

“Part of the vision of the C&D Canal Trail was always to connect and enhance two historic cities in our region — Delaware City and Chesapeake City,” said Congressman Carney. “I’m very pleased that this vision is now becoming a reality, and I look forward to even more people being able to take advantage of the fun, healthy activities the trail will offer.”

“Completion of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal Trail has been one of my top priorities,” said U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, “and a priority shared by U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, who championed this project in Delaware. The C&D Trail is a recreational treasure and this $2 million in federal funds ensures the completion of the Trail, which will attract tourists who want to enjoy the experience of hiking and biking between Chesapeake City, Maryland and Delaware City, Delaware.”

This project will complete the western 1.8 miles of a recreational trail linking the towns of Chesapeake City, Maryland and Delaware City, Delaware. Funds will be used to transform the existing gravel service road on the north side of the C&D Canal into a multi-purpose recreation trail with associated features including signage, trail heads, and rest facilities. This 1.8 mile segment will complete the Maryland segment of the 17 mile long trail, providing direct access to Chesapeake City’s ferry terminal and connecting residents and visitors in both states with the unique heritage, extensive environmental resources, and vital waterway operations of the C&D Canal.

In July, the Delaware Congressional delegation joined federal, state and local officials in announcing the naming and groundbreaking of the Michael N. Castle Trail at the C&D Canal. The event marked the first phase of the approximately 17-mile long, multiple-use recreational trail along the north side of the C&D Canal.