III 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 294 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES October 17, 2011 Mr. Coons (for himself, Mr. Carper, Ms. Mikulski, and Mr. Cardin) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Commemorating the 182nd anniversary of the opening of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.

Whereas on October 17, 1829, the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal became operational with the joint support of the Federal Government and the States of Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania; Whereas the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal has served the economy of the Chesapeake and Mid-Atlantic regions for 182 years, first as a lock-system canal and in the 20th century, as a free-flowing waterway; Whereas the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Museum recognizes and celebrates the history of the Canal and the role of the Canal in the economic development of the United States from the early 19th century through the date of approval of this resolution; Whereas the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal is 1 of only 2 commercially viable sea level canals in the United States and is vital to the Ports of Wilmington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, as well as the broader United States economy; Whereas the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal is 1 of the busiest working waterways in the world, with more than 25,000 vessels passing though the Canal each year; Whereas the Philadelphia District of the Corps of Engineers has responsibly managed the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal since 1933, including regularly dredging the Canal, maintaining existing bridges and roadways, and managing maritime traffic; Whereas in 2005 and 2006, public workshops were held to solicit ideas and comments from local residents regarding potential recreational uses along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal; Whereas in March 2006, the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal trail concept plan was completed by the working group recommending the creation of a recreational trail along both banks of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal to be used by walkers, joggers, cyclists, and equestrians; Whereas the Federal Government and the State of Delaware have worked together to provide funding to build the first phase of the recreational trail along the banks of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, with construction set to begin in the spring of 2012; Whereas the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal is surrounded by more than 7,500 acres of public land, creating a unique and safe environment for recreationists, families, students, anglers, hunters, nature enthusiasts, and others to participate in outdoor activities; Whereas the recreational trail along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal has the potential to provide a common link to communities across the States of Delaware and Maryland from Chesapeake City to Delaware City; Whereas plans for Phase I of the recreational trail call for 9 miles of improved trail along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal from Delaware City to Summit Marina, Delaware, including the construction of parking areas and comfort stations; Whereas public participation has been an integral part of the development of the recreational trail along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and the plan enjoys broad support from local communities, stakeholder groups, and Federal and State officials; and Whereas construction of the trail will create jobs and bring economic activity to communities along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal while encouraging health and wellness through outdoor engagement: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)commemorates the 182nd anniversary of the opening of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal; (2)celebrates the history of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal as a facilitator of trade and economic development in the Chesapeake and Mid-Atlantic regions; (3)honors the ongoing role that the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal plays in supporting commerce by linking the Delaware River and Chesapeake Bay to ports around the world; and (4)recognizes the potential for recreation on federally owned land along the banks of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal to encourage job creation, outdoor engagement, wellness, and fitness.