Castle Unveils Detailed Plan to Create Recreational Area Along Chesapeake and Delaware Canal

Castle Unveils Detailed Plan to Create Recreational Area Along Chesapeake and Delaware Canal

Delaware Congressman Mike Castle joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the State of Delaware, New Castle County and community leaders today along the C & D Canal in Delaware City to unveil the "Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Trail Concept Plan," which was started a year ago, after Castle secured federal dollars for the study.

The purpose of the plan is to recommend how best to increase recreational opportunities along the C & D Canal through the development of a multi-purpose trail, complete with 14 trail heads, comfort stations, picnic areas, parking, improved fishing piers, and information kiosks.

"Almost two years ago I began pushing the idea of expanding the C & D Canal to include more user-friendly recreation. Today marks significant progress in our efforts to enhance recreational opportunities along the C & D Canal for families throughout Delaware, Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic.

"In a time of increased development in the region, the C & D Canal presents us with a unique opportunity -- a piece of federally protected land spanning approximately 9,000 acres that can easily provide additional recreational areas while still providing opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and many other recreational activities. Rather than trying to purchase land to develop such an area, which would be unimaginable with prices what they are today, I have worked with a very broad coalition in both Maryland and Delaware to improve what we already have," Castle said.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

http://www.house.gov/castle/pr_06_cdplan.html