Great American Rail-Trail

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Names Washington Governor Jay Inslee 2023 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
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WASHINGTON, June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has named Washington Gov. Jay Inslee the 2023 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion for decades of leadership in accelerating trail development across the state, including his commitment to connecting the state's trail system as a driver of economic and quality-of-life benefits for Washingtonians.

Key Points: 
  • Jay Inslee honored in Sequim along the Olympic Discovery Trail for his commitment to connecting the state's trail system as a driver of climate, economic and quality-of-life benefits for Washingtonians
    WASHINGTON, June 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has named Washington Gov.
  • Jay Inslee the 2023 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion for decades of leadership in accelerating trail development across the state, including his commitment to connecting the state's trail system as a driver of economic and quality-of-life benefits for Washingtonians.
  • Jay Inslee is raising the bar for the country's elected officials, demonstrating the impact of trail networks.
  • Inslee has championed the role of trails in addressing significant challenges facing our communities—building climate resilience, generating economic development and delivering quality of life," said RTC President Ryan Chao.

This Week in Sports News: 13 Stories You Need to See

Retrieved on: 
Friday, May 19, 2023
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NEW YORK, May 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering the sports industry stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, May 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire.
  • To help journalists covering the sports industry stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.
  • The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story.
  • Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

AHEAD OF MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, VETERANS LAUNCH THERAPEUTIC BIKE RIDE ACROSS THE COUNTRY ON GREAT AMERICAN RAIL-TRAIL

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
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WASHINGTON, May 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and Warrior Expeditions were joined by members of Congress at the U.S. Capitol to celebrate the departure of six wartime veterans as they embark on a cross-country bike ride to process and heal from the mental health impacts of their deployments. The riders began their journey at the eastern endpoint of the Great American Rail-Trail, RTC's flagship project to connect a cross-country, multiuse trail, and will conquer 3,700 miles before reaching their ultimate finish in La Push, Washington, later this summer.

Key Points: 
  • There is hope in connecting with the people, places and rich heritage that makes up the American landscape.
  • Warrior Expeditions is a nonprofit organization that emphasizes the therapeutic value of long-distance outdoor expeditions to help veterans transition from their wartime experiences.
  • Veterans apply to be included in one of several expedition teams, including long-distance hikes, paddles and the Warrior Bike, which exclusively takes place on the Great American Rail-Trail.
  • Warrior Expeditions is a veteran nonprofit outdoor therapy program that helps veterans transition from their wartime experiences through long-distance outdoor expeditions.

New Signage Program Celebrates History Along the Great American Rail-Trail

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 26, 2023
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A new program of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation will draw attention to the history that is embedded in the route of the Great American Rail-Trail®. A series of historic markers will be installed along the 3,700-mile route of the developing trail, one of RTC's signature programs, between Washington, D.C., and Washington State.

Key Points: 
  • There are fascinating stories and snapshots of history all along the Great American Rail-Trail.
  • "The Great American Rail-Trail connects people to the richness of the nation's landscapes, cultures and heritage.
  • "There are fascinating stories and snapshots of history all along the Great American Rail-Trail, if you know where to look."
  • "History abounds along the beautiful scenic pathways that comprise the Great American Rail-Trail.

RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY ANNOUNCES PROGRESS AND RECORD YEAR IN INVESTMENTS TOWARD COMPLETING GREAT AMERICAN RAIL-TRAIL®

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, December 15, 2022
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) today shared progress made in 2022 along the Great American Rail-Trail®, the organization's signature project that will connect 3,700 miles of multiuse trails between Washington, D.C., and Washington State, including milestones related to funding and new trail mileage.

Key Points: 
  • We've seen firsthand how a grand national vision like the Great American Rail-Trail can have a significant impact.
  • "Local officials and advocates have leveraged their trails' connections to the Great American Rail-Trail to unlock previously out-of-reach funding.
  • They've invoked the Great American Rail-Trail to build state coalitions and new momentum to tackle difficult gaps in the route.
  • Total new funding for the Great American Rail-Trail in 2022 was $31.2 million, the most in one year since the project was introduced in 2019.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Invests $300,000 in Community-Led Projects to Boost Safety, Connection and Inclusion on America's Trails

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) today announced that it has awarded $300,000 to support organizations working to create a more inclusive trail experience nationwide. RTC's 2022 Trail Grants program is funding 25 community-led projects working to boost safety, connection and inclusive use of the nation's trails and trail networks.

Key Points: 
  • RTC's 2022 Trail Grants program is funding 25 community-led projects working to boost safety, connection and inclusive use of the nation's trails and trail networks.
  • RTC's 2022 Trail Grants fund 25 projects bringing inclusive programming to trail and active transportation networks.
  • Together, we are building a future where trails connect everyone to safe spaces where they can walk, bike and be active outsidewhich is fundamental to our well-being."
  • "This grant supports our Vamos Outdoors program, which is centered on fostering outdoor engagement among Latino and other communities.

WORLD RECORD HOLDER, IAN MACKAY, SETS OUT ON 475-MILE SOLO TREK VIA WHEELCHAIR FROM D.C. TO OHIO ON GREAT AMERICAN RAIL-TRAIL®

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ian's Ride, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and United Spinal Association (USA) gathered with members and supporters today on the National Mall to celebrate the launch of Ian Mackay's journey on the Great American Rail-Trail® from Washington, D.C., to Columbus, Ohio. Mackay, founder of Ian's Ride and an accessibility advocate, will travel 475-miles by power wheelchair on the easternmost portion of the Great American to raise awareness of the importance of and the need for more access to the outdoors for people with mobility impairments and other disabilities.

Key Points: 
  • "My philosophy is: community is the answer, we are stronger together and nature is the best medicine."
  • "We are thrilled to cheer on Ian as he sets off along the Great American Rail-Trail," said Kevin Belanger, RTC's project manager for the Great American Rail-Trail.
  • Mackay's ride on the Great American Rail-Trail comes as several priorities are being pursued in Congress.
  • Mackay recently broke a Guinness World Record for the farthest distancemore than 184 milesin 24 hours on a mouth-controlled power wheelchair.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Names Indiana State Representative Carey Hamilton 2022 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
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RICHMOND, Ind., Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nation's largest trails, walking and biking advocacy organization, today announced Indiana State Representative Carey Hamilton (D-87) as the 2022 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion. Rep. Hamilton is being honored for her leadership in founding the Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus, an innovative model designed to create focus in the state legislature for accelerating investment and development of multiuse trails across the state. 

Key Points: 
  • Rep. Hamilton to be celebrated during a tour of the Great American Rail-Trail through Indiana, showcasing state's leadership in advancing connected trail systems
    RICHMOND, Ind., Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nation's largest trails, walking and biking advocacy organization, today announced Indiana State Representative Carey Hamilton (D-87) as the 2022 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion .
  • Rep. Hamilton is being honored for her leadership in founding the Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus, an innovative model designed to create focus in the state legislature for accelerating investment and development of multiuse trails across the state.
  • Rep. Carey Hamilton holds a deep appreciation for the role of trails in creating communities where we all want to live.
  • Rep. Hamilton has built bipartisan enthusiasm for trails in Indiana in a way that is enduring and will transform how trail systems are built in the Hoosier State and across the country."

New Study Illustrates Economic Potential of the Great American Rail-Trail®

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
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WASHINGTON, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Great American Rail-Trail®, which is the nation's first cross-country multiuse trail, will have a significant economic impact for the communities it serves, according to a new analysis released today by Headwaters Economics, in partnership with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the organization spearheading the trail's development. The study estimates that each year the trail could generate more than $229.4 million in visitor spending, $104 million in labor income and $22.8 million in new tax revenue.

Key Points: 
  • The Great American Rail-Trail has the potential to generate a major economic boost for the nation.
  • "The Great American Rail-Trail represents significant opportunity for the entire nation," said Liz Thorstensen, RTC's vice president of trail development.
  • "The numbers make clear that the Great American is a win for long-term economic growth in communities all along the route," said Kevin Belanger, RTC's project manager for the Great American Rail-Trail.
  • Total visitor spending in each state was inputted into IMPLANan economic modeling programto estimate the economic impact of the Great American, measured in terms of jobs, income, value-added and tax revenue.

Significant Milestones Build Momentum for the Great American Rail-Trail® in the West

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 11, 2022
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WASHINGTON, April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent progress made to advance the Great American Rail-Trail® is reason to celebrate, according to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nation's largest trails advocacy organization and the lead organizers in the effort to connect the cross-country multiuse trail across 3,700 miles and 12 states plus the District of Columbia.

Key Points: 
  • The opening of the Beverly Bridge is a milestone for the Great American Rail-Trail and trails in Washington.
  • In Nebraska, April 7 marked a historic vote for trail funding and a significant boost for the Great American Rail-Trail.
  • "It will take tireless advocacy, sustained investment, partnership and promotion to complete the Great American Rail-Trail," said Kevin Belanger, project manager for the Great American Rail-Trail.
  • "What we just saw in Nebraska embodies all of what it takes to build momentum and connect this trail across the country.