The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation for the federal government to support the development of the September 11th National Memorial Trail, a proposed 1,300-mile recreational trail linking the three 9/11 crash sites.
The legislation, passed unanimously by the House on Friday, serves as an official trail designation by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Interior will assist in developing the trail route, signage, interpretative guides and educational materials.
The recreational trail was proposed by a grassroots nonprofit, the September 11 National Memorial Trail Alliance, shortly after the terrorist attacks. The organization will continue to lead the effort to develop the trail and raise millions of dollars to complete off-road trail sections.
The legislation still has to be approved by the Senate. Supporters of the bill hope to have the legislation signed into law by President Joe Biden by this Sept. 11.
Currently, the 9/11 memorial trail is a network of about 55% off-road trails and 45% of existing roads that connect the three 9/11 memorial sites in New York City, Arlington, Va., and Shanksville.
Tom Baxter, of Monongahela, Pa., is president of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance, said he was grateful to Congressional leaders in recognizing the importance of the trail.
“This is a testament to the spirit of the American people to honor and respect the heroes of that fateful day in September,” Baxter said. “I believe the insight of Congressional leaders goes well beyond respect for the events on 9/11.
“The trail will bring tremendous economic development especially in underserved communities and opportunities for health and wellness that are free and open to people of all ages and abilities.”
Earlier this year, 1.5 miles of a new $900,000, off-road trail section opened in Garrett, Somerset County. The new trail is a critical segment of a proposed 20-mile off-road trail connecting the Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville to the Great Allegheny Passage trail in Garrett.
The Great Allegheny Passage trail stretches 334 miles to Cumberland, Md., accounting for a large trail segment that could someday link to the 9/11 memorial site near the Pentagon.
The legislation passed Friday was introduced by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Bucks County, Gerry Connolly, D-Virginia, and Don Beyer, D-Virginia.
“As our nation prepares for the 20th Anniversary of September 11th, we have a tremendous opportunity to create a lasting legacy that connects all three sites attacked that horrific day,” Connolly said. “The September 11 National Memorial will serve a particularly significant role — honoring the families and loved ones who were victims of the attack, and the heroes who saved countless lives on such a tragic day.”
A Congressional resolution was passed in 2019 recognizing the trail and its national significance. Although the legislation didn’t provide funding to develop the needed off-road segments, the Congressional nod helps trail organizers attract funding from multiple sources.
Mary Ann Thomas is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Mary at 724-226-4691, mthomas@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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