PA.GOV: Wolf Administration Tours Potential Trail Site in Pittsburgh

Wolf Administration Tours Potential Trail Site in Pittsburgh; Discusses How Restore Pennsylvania Could Address Infrastructure Needs

​Pittsburgh, PA — Today, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and other officials toured a potential trail site along the Allegheny River and discussed how the Restore Pennsylvania proposal could aid in the closure of major trail gaps sought by hikers, bikers, and other outdoors enthusiasts.

“It’s all here — beneficial use of a former brownfield, riverfront utilization, and extension of a trail that, with this 1.5-mile addition, will be appreciated by users from Pittsburgh to Erie,” Dunn said. “Trail gaps are a top priority and closing them requires the type of financial commitment Restore Pennsylvania can provide.”

Restore Pennsylvania will provide significant new funding to enable new environmental projects and new recreational opportunities across the state, including infrastructure and maintenance in state parks, creation and revitalization of new local parks, and funding for new hiking, biking, and ATV trail projects.

Restore Pennsylvania is a statewide plan to aggressively address the commonwealth’s vital infrastructure needs. Funded through a commonsense severance tax, Restore Pennsylvania is the only plan that will help make Pennsylvania a leader in the 21st century.

Plans for this former brownfield property include providing green space, access to the river, and connecting to the Erie to Pittsburgh trail system.

“Within two years, this acquisition would add a mile and a half of trail toward the City of Pittsburgh, and acres of riverfront green space for the community to enjoy for many, many generations to come,” said Susan Crookston, founder and executive director of Aspinwall Riverfront Park. “After acquisition and completion, this critical infrastructure will take cars off road and create a more resilient community by mitigating the impacts of storm water damage.”

The area toured today is flanked by Aspinwall Riverfront Park to the north and James Sharp Landing to the south. Nearby Etna Borough also is proposing a riverfront park close to Sharp’s Landing.

To learn more, view the full Restore Pennsylvania plan (PDF).