Grant to build first leg of trail between New Phila and Roswell
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Jan. 2, 2023) – Mayor Joel Day had some good news to share during the last city council meeting.
“The city received a welcomed holiday gift over the past week. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Mineral Resources Management has awarded New Philadelphia a $650,000 grant to begin construction of the Roswell Bicycle and Hiking Trail.”
ODNR awarded the funding that comes from the federal Abandoned Mine Land Economic Development – or AMLER – Program. Day says it will be used to build the first mile of the trail along the city-owned railroad right-of-way between Hillandale Road and land on State Route 39 across from Huffy’s Bar.
“The rail line once transported coal and miners to and from several drift, slope, and strip mines in the area.”
Work on the first section is expected to begin in late summer or early fall. Day says others will follow as additional funds become available.