Media Advisory For: May 8, 2020
CONTACT:
Patricia Brooks, Patricia@matchmapmedia.com, 202.351.1757
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Points to Economic Value, Progress for the Great American Rail-Trail on Iconic Trail’s One-Year Anniversary
RTC will reveal funding and mileage updates for the route, as well as economic impact and momentum for key segments, during virtual anniversary event on May 8
WASHINGTON—On Friday, May 8, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) will host a virtual anniversary event to share progress made for the Great American Rail-Trail since it was introduced to the public one year ago. Trail partners and people who have pledged their support for the completion of the iconic infrastructure that spans 3,700 miles across 12 states—between Washington, D.C., and Washington State—will join RTC to share progress and opportunity for the trail, including funding, mileage and trail development updates.
As the nation turns to the outdoors and trails during this unprecedented time, and Congress and states explore strategies for economic recovery, the Great American represents the potential and impact inherent in trails. The trail is a demonstration of the critical role trails and active transportation play in getting people back to work while contributing to healthy, safe and equitable communities. Across the route are examples of how connected trails provide protected space from vehicle traffic to be active, generate economic opportunity and jobs for local regions, create powerful connections to nature and community, and provide active transportation routes between communities, regions and states.
WHAT: Virtual anniversary celebration of progress being made for the Great American Rail-Trail—and the opportunities, and economic, health and social benefits the trail can deliver
WHEN: May 8, 2020, at 1 p.m. Eastern
WHERE: For the public: Live at greatamericanrailtrail.org or facebook.com/greatamericanrailtrail
For press access: RSVP to Patricia Brooks at patricia@railstotrails.org.
WHO: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Warrior Expeditions, Adventure Cycling Association, Rails to Trails of Wayne County (Ohio), Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, Cowboy Trail West (Nebraska), Old Yellowstone Trail (Montana), Idaho State Parks and Recreation, and Olympic Discovery Trail (Washington)
The preferred route of the Great American, which is more than 52% complete, is based on thorough assessment and analysis using RTC’s GIS database of more than 37,000 miles of existing trails and in-depth collaboration with local trail partners and state agencies. Explore the Great American Rail-Trail at greatamericanrailtrail.org, and connect with #GRTAmerican and @greatamericanrailtrail on social media.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
