MOUNT JEWETT — A ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially opened the Knox-Kane Rails to Trails Project was held Friday in Mount Jewett.
The event officially capped years of efforts and opened the historic stretch of nearly four miles from Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge State Park. The trail project will provide opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding and snowmobile riding, as well as increased tourism and economic development.
Those who participated in the ceremony off Center Street in Mount Jewett were Carolyn Stroup, president of the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Trail Club; Brett Morgan, Mount Jewett Borough Councilman; Jim Trussell, Hamlin Township Supervisors’ Chairman; Carol Duffy, McKean County Commissioner; Cindy Dunn, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; and Tom Zurat, assistant district executive, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, District 2.
Janie French, executive director of the Headwaters Charitable Trust, said the project was a group effort that began with the McKean County Commissioners who took charge of the feasibility study.
She said kudos also went to Dunn and DCNR who engaged other state agencies and helped secure project funding.
“But, without local support,” French said, “this trail could not have been developed.”
French also introduced the guest speakers.
“It’s not often that a small community gets $1 million for a project, and it’s exciting to see what trails can be to a community,” Morgan said. “And thank you, Headwaters Charitable Trust, for acquiring this corridor, and county commissioners for your roles in this project.”
Jim Trussell, chairman of the Hamlin Township Supervisors, and a former employee of the Knox and Kane Railroad for 13 years, said, “This is a fantastic project. I’m really glad to see the area developed and used.”
Next was Carolyn Stroup, a Hamlin Township resident, who organized the MJ2KB Trail Club in early 2015 and has worked tirelessly for this day. She is also a member of the Kinzua Valley Trail Club
“On behalf of the MJ2KB Trail Club, we want to see this rail trail used not only by the community that encompasses this trail,” she said. “As stewards of this trail, our trail club plans to maintain it, ensuring that it remains a safe environment so all trail users will have an enjoyable outdoor experience.”
Stroup noted that the MJ2KB Trail Club volunteers are now developing more of the Knox-Kane Rail Trail heading west from Mount Jewett toward Lantz Corners. “We have united with other trail clubs to provide the public with prestigious rail trails in McKean County, the PA Wilds and across the state.”
Meanwhile, according to French, trail groups in Forest and Clarion counties are proceeding with developing their own trails.
McKean County received a $1 million grant, which could not be used for acquiring land.
French introduced McKean County Planning Director Jeremy Morey, who administered the grant.
Morey said, “We administered this TAP grant on PennDOT’s ECMS System and coordinated with the contractor, PennDOT, county commissioners and Headwaters Charitable Trust to make sure all phases were completed.”
Morey also lauded the “wonderful workmanship” of Horizon Construction.
McKean County Commissioner Carol Duffy spoke briefly.
“While this project had already begun before I was elected, I saw the parties with a vision all pull together to overcome some obstacles to make this a reality,” she said. “It’s not only a tourism draw, but also an asset for the community to enjoy the natural scenery.”
Dunn added, “As we travel around Pennsylvania, from our perspective, this provides one of the best opportunities in the state for economic development and exercise.”
Dunn also pointed to the economic potential and significance of developing that trail section that would eventually connect with Cook State Forest.
“DCNR and PennDOT were partners in this trail development, along with the support of Dennis Davin and the Department of Community and Economic Development for its grants that were critical,” she said.
Recognizing the local trail volunteers, Dunn said, “You’re here day in and day out, meeting visitors and being proud of their rewarding and many hours of work.”
Concluding her comments, Dunn said, “The DCNR was with you for the long haul. We are delighted to help you reach your goal.”
Jill Grosch, district office manager for State Rep. Marty Causer (R-Turtlepoint), said Causer “sees this trail as an example of amazing gusto and foresight of what can happen when communities work together. This is a wonderful showcase to the Kinzua Bridge State Park.”
Additional guests who were acknowledged were Amy Kessler, Northcentral Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission; Alan Lichtenwalner, Dana Crisp and Mitch Stickle, DCNR; David VonArx, Christopher Ernst and Andrew Rosenberger, E & M Engineering; Kane Mayor Brandi Schimp; Kane Borough Manager Don Payne; and Terri Dennison, executive director of PA Route 6 Alliance.
A reception was held following the ceremony.
