Grants to expand Towpath Trail in Tuscarawas County
The City of Dover, the City of New Philadelphia and the Tuscarawas County government collectively received more than $4.9 million in funding.
Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation announced that nearly $52 million in grants will be awarded over the next four years through the Transportation Alternatives Program to improve safety for bicycle and pedestrian traffic statewide.
The City of Dover, the City of New Philadelphia and the Tuscarawas County government collectively received more than $4.9 million in funding. The awards — $2.15 million for Dover, $2.17 million for New Philadelphia and $640,000 for Tuscarawas County — were made in partnership with the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and will support the addition of 7 miles of new trail. This expansion will complete the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail currently includes more than 90 continuous miles across four counties, stretching from Cleveland to Zoarville. It generally follows the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal and connects visitors to a variety of cultural, natural and recreational resources within the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area.
City of Dover Mayor Shane Gunnoe said the project will provide critical improvements.
“The City of Dover is grateful to the State of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Transportation for this grant funding,” Gunnoe said. “These funds will improve pedestrian and bicycle access within the city, complete the Towpath Trail section from Dover’s Canal Park to New Philadelphia’s Waterworks Park, and bring significant upgrades to the riverfront and city streets. We look forward to working with ODOT over the next several years to make these community improvements a reality.”
New Philadelphia Mayor Joel Day emphasized the regional impact of the funding.
“This milestone reflects the determination and collaboration of New Philadelphia, Dover, Tuscarawas County and the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition,” Day said. “Once finished, the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail will allow hikers and cyclists to travel from Cleveland to its southern endpoint at Waterworks Park. We envision developing a trailhead near the boat ramp and eventually offering bike, canoe and kayak rentals at that location.”
DeWine said the Transportation Alternatives Program supports long-term community growth.
“The Transportation Alternatives Program makes vital investments to support safer, more connected spaces for walking and biking,” DeWine said. “This program helps improve quality of life, enhance public safety and build sustainable transportation networks that make our cities and towns stronger and more vibrant.”
ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn said, “Biking and walking are great modes of transportation that are not only fun, but foster community connections, support local economies and contribute to a healthier lifestyle. We are proud to support active transportation in Ohio.”
Call Dan Rice at 330-374-5657 or email drice@ohioeriecanal.org.