05-23-2008, 11:10 AM
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and its local partners in Fairfield County and the City of Lancaster dedicated phases one and two of the Lancaster City Bike Trail today, as part of an ongoing celebration of the Clean Ohio Fund and its support of recreational trail construction statewide.
<br>An award of $420,000 from the Clean Ohio Trails Fund helped build the 6.8-mile portion of the trail, which will eventually connect with other bike trails in the area. When all phases of the trail are complete, it will encircle the city with a 9.6-mile loop, interconnecting local historic sites, parks, schools, retail areas and waterways. The city and 16 local partners collaborated on the construction project.<br>
<br>"Our economic and social health calls for us to strengthen our connection to our natural world," said ODNR Director Sean D. Logan. "The dedication of this trail represents a new way to connect to nature and is another great example of what can be accomplished when communities, businesses and conservationists work together toward a common goal."<br>
<br>Another $400,000 Clean Ohio Trails Grant will help with the final phase of the project. The entire project will cost about $1.2 million when completed.<br>
<br>The Clean Ohio Fund, approved by voters in November 2000, is a $400 million bond program aimed at revitalizing blighted urban areas, protecting rivers and watersheds, preserving green space and farmland and expanding Ohio's system of recreational trails.<br>
<br>More than 219 miles of recreational trails were constructed with $25 million allocated for that purpose under the original initiative. These trails improve quality of life and boost outdoor recreational opportunities for all Ohioans. Local governments, parks and joint recreation districts, conservancy districts, soil and water conservancy districts and non-profit organizations applied for the trail funds, agreeing to provide a 25 percent match. The local matches included contributions of land, labor or materials.<br>
<br>Recognizing the importance of this program, Governor Ted Strickland proposed renewal of the Clean Ohio Fund in his bi-partisan economic stimulus plan. The issue is expected to appear on the November ballot.
<br>An award of $420,000 from the Clean Ohio Trails Fund helped build the 6.8-mile portion of the trail, which will eventually connect with other bike trails in the area. When all phases of the trail are complete, it will encircle the city with a 9.6-mile loop, interconnecting local historic sites, parks, schools, retail areas and waterways. The city and 16 local partners collaborated on the construction project.<br>
<br>"Our economic and social health calls for us to strengthen our connection to our natural world," said ODNR Director Sean D. Logan. "The dedication of this trail represents a new way to connect to nature and is another great example of what can be accomplished when communities, businesses and conservationists work together toward a common goal."<br>
<br>Another $400,000 Clean Ohio Trails Grant will help with the final phase of the project. The entire project will cost about $1.2 million when completed.<br>
<br>The Clean Ohio Fund, approved by voters in November 2000, is a $400 million bond program aimed at revitalizing blighted urban areas, protecting rivers and watersheds, preserving green space and farmland and expanding Ohio's system of recreational trails.<br>
<br>More than 219 miles of recreational trails were constructed with $25 million allocated for that purpose under the original initiative. These trails improve quality of life and boost outdoor recreational opportunities for all Ohioans. Local governments, parks and joint recreation districts, conservancy districts, soil and water conservancy districts and non-profit organizations applied for the trail funds, agreeing to provide a 25 percent match. The local matches included contributions of land, labor or materials.<br>
<br>Recognizing the importance of this program, Governor Ted Strickland proposed renewal of the Clean Ohio Fund in his bi-partisan economic stimulus plan. The issue is expected to appear on the November ballot.