[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 155 (Monday, October 17, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S6605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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   SENATE RESOLUTION 294--COMMEMORATING THE 182ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
              OPENING OF THE CHESAPEAKE AND DELAWARE CANAL

  Mr. COONS (for himself, Mr. Carper, Ms. Mikulski, and Mr. Cardin) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 294

       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
       Resolved, 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.

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