Ribbon Cut on $1M Trail Project
Washington, PA Observer-Reporter
15 May 2010
GREENSBORO - It was standing room only inside the Greensboro Trail
gazebo on Friday as residents, dignitaries and others gathered to
officially cut the ribbon that dedicated the $1 million trail project.
"The handshake I extend to all of you today at this magnificent trail
couldn't be warmer," Judge Farley Toothman said to the crowd. An avid
bicyclist, Toothman spoke of the benefits to the community that
projects such as this one bring.
"This project is how Greesboro rolls," he added.
Engineer Mike Dufalla talked about the massive effort required to bring
the project together, starting with the residents that donated property
and rights of way, to the borough council members and all the way up to
federal and state government.
"They really came through for us. I can't say enough about the people
of Greensboro, or the late Jack Murtha, Bill DeWeese and Barry Stout.
They really came through for us. The county put money into this project
as well," Dufalla said.
As funds had to be administered for the project that required what was
termed "extensive paperwork" by resident Mary Shine, who was
instrumental in seeing the project completed, the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources and the state Department of
Transportation were credited for handling that aspect.
Dufalla mentioned the $16,000 it took just to do the archaeological
study required since the town has a long history of producing pottery.
"I remember Betty (Longo) telling me that she wants to live long enough
to see this project completed. Betty is here. Betty, you've seen this
project," Dufalla said.
In just a year, the project that once was just a vision, and one that
some considered an improbable one at that, is still only in its
infancy. The next goal is to connect it with the Point Marion trail and
to create a map that shows both of those communities and all that they
have to offer.
"What a difference a year makes," said Greensboro Mayor Arnie Bowser.
"Welcome to Greensboro, Pennsylvania. I am proud to be the mayor here.
Welcome, and enjoy your day here."
Sharon Willison, representing state Sen. J. Barry Stout, who will
retire at the end of this term of office, said it was bittersweet
knowing that projects such as this one started by the senator would be
completed after he leaves office.
"It is bittersweet to see his beautiful project come together without
him here," Willison said, noting that she regularly uses the Greene
River Trail in her own backyard. "The trails bring benefits for years
to come, some we don't even imagine yet. When I walk the trail, I
always think back to the hustle and bustle that existed when the river
towns were booming and the historical experience as well."
DeWeese agreed that the trail brings things that people don't
necessarily think about.
"Trails shouldn't be reserved for just the affluent or those in the big
cities. We need settings as miraculous as this. Greensboro is starting
to jump with a lot of dazzle and excitement. The quality of life
enhanced is empirical," he said.