FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct.
25, 2012
FLORIDA PARK SERVICE BREAKS GROUND ON NEW TRAIL AND BRIDGE IN DUNNELLON
~The
new trail and bridge is a major step towards connecting the Marjorie Harris
Carr Cross Florida Greenway and the Withlacoochee State Trail ~
 Florida Park Service staff participate in a ceremony marking the construction of a multi-use trail and bridge in Dunnellon.
DUNNELLON – The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection and the Florida Park Service today celebrated the start of
construction of a multi-use trail and bridge in Dunnellon. This new trail and
bridge brings the state one step closer to connecting the Withlacoochee State
Trail to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.
The Cross Florida Greenway
is a key component of a multi-county regional greenway loop, which is part of
the larger Florida Greenways and Trails System. Connected trails provide
recreational, economic, alternative transportation and quality of life benefits
to local communities.
“This new trail and
bridge and the future connection of the Withlacoochee State Trail to the
Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway will increase recreational value,
tourism and economic impact on our state and these local communities,” said
Donald V. Forgione, Florida Park Service Director. “We are thankful for the
support and engagement from the city of Dunnellon and Marion and Citrus
counties and our volunteer partners, who all understand that trails provide a
sense of well-being and improve the quality of life for communities.”
The 280-foot bridge
will span the Withlacoochee River. The 12-foot wide, 3-mile paved trail will
feature two trailheads; one in Citrus County and one in Marion County. The
construction is made possible with funding from the Florida Department of
Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration through a Transportation
Enhancement Project and 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant. This
project is estimated to be complete by June 2013.
“This whole thing has
a been a process, a long time coming in trying to move forward with the
crossroads of the trail here on the Nature Coast and Dunnellon is the
crossroads,” said Dunnellon Mayor Fred Ward. “We really look forward to what
the bridge will mean to our community. It is going to put us on the map as far
as the Florida Greenways & Trails is concerned and allows the public to
enjoy the convergence of the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers.”
Ward added, “We are
happy to see this project come to fruition. It is pretty significant. A lot of
people worked hard to make this happen and we are grateful. This really adds
value to the city and gives our community an identity. It gives us something to
be proud of and will make people more desirous to come here.”
Celebrated each
October, Florida Greenways and Trails
Month recognizes the important recreational and economic benefits of
Florida’s greenways and trails. The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection’s Florida Park Service, Office of Greenways & Trails welcomes
this annual occasion to highlight Florida’s beautiful greenways and trails.
About the Marjorie
Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway:
- Comprises 110 miles as
it crosses Central Florida from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River
-
Occupies much of the
land formerly known as the Cross Florida Ship, and later, Barge Canal projects
-
Provides hiking,
biking, equestrian and paddling trails, boat ramps, fishing spots, campgrounds
and a barrier-free Boundless Playground
- Last year, welcomed
more than 1 million visitors, with a direct economic impact of nearly $49
million.
About the
Withlacoochee State Trail:
- Comprises 46 miles,
crossing Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties, making it the longest paved
rail-trail in Florida
-
Flat and with many
access points, provides cycling, running, walking, skating and unpaved equestrian
trail opportunities
- Is a National Recreation
Trail®, offering rich opportunities for viewing wildlife
-
Last year, welcomed more
than 365,500 visitors, with a direct economic impact of nearly $16 million.
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