[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 10925]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        MICHAEL N. CASTLE TRAIL

 Mr. COONS. Mr. President, yesterday we recognized the vision 
and tireless efforts of former Congressman Mike Castle of Delaware to 
develop a recreational trail along the Chesapeake and Delaware--or 
C&D--Canal and broke ground for its construction.
  The C&D Canal, managed by the Philadelphia District of the Army Corps 
of Engineers, has been in operation since 1829. Today it is one of the 
busiest working waterways in the world, with over 25,000 vessels 
passing through it each year. The canal is a critical commercial 
waterway serving the ports of Wilmington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. 
The C&D Canal is bordered by a 16-mile stretch of flat, uninterrupted 
land, perfect for a trail, and surrounded by more than 7,500 acres of 
public land, creating a unique and safe environment for recreationists. 
In 2004 Congressman Castle saw these assets as an ideal opportunity to 
enhance the canal's existing resources by adding a recreational trail.
  Under Congressman Castle's leadership, a working group was formed in 
2004 with representatives from the State of Delaware, New Castle 
County, the Army Corps, Delaware City, Chesapeake City, the State of 
Maryland, and recreation groups. In 2005 and 2006 public workshops were 
held to solicit ideas and comments from local residents regarding 
potential recreational uses along the C&D Canal. In March 2006 a 
concept plan was completed by the working group, recommending the 
creation of a recreational trail along the canal to be used by walkers, 
joggers, cyclists, and equestrians. In 2007 design work for the trail 
began and environmental assessments were completed, and in 2009 trail 
design was completed.
  Congressman Castle was instrumental in obtaining resources for the 
trail. In addition to supporting efforts to acquire state and local 
funding, he also secured a total of $2.2 million in public lands 
highways discretionary awards in fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010 from 
the Federal Highway Administration to go toward planning and 
construction of the trail.
  Congressman Castle's vision and years of work to build a trail along 
the C&D Canal were not forgotten when he left office. Recognizing the 
tremendous benefits that could be realized by the trail, the delegation 
picked up the project where Castle left off. Since then, the delegation 
has worked with the Federal Highway Administration, the State of 
Delaware, New Castle County, the recreation community, and others to 
reinvigorate the working group and secure additional funding to build 
the first phase of the recreational trail along the banks of the 
Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.
  The recreational trail along the C&D Canal will provide a common link 
to communities across the States of Delaware and Maryland from 
Chesapeake City to Delaware City. It will create a safe and inviting 
recreational opportunity along the canal and will bring families and 
other groups to hike, bicycle, jog, skate, or ride horseback along the 
trail. Local business, including restaurants and shops, will reap the 
benefits of this increased tourism to the area. The C&D Canal trail 
will also support healthy lifestyles through outdoor recreation. The 
trail will improve safety along the canal and increase the appeal and 
land value of residential developments in the area. The C&D Canal 
recreation trail will be an attractive asset for the Middletown, 
Odessa, and Townsend region that will draw new residents to the area.
  Congressman Castle long ago embraced the notion that the C&D Canal is 
like an emerald necklace draped across the northern portion of our 
beautiful State, and we are so very pleased that this jewel will be 
named after our dear friend.
  Yesterday, the Delaware Department of Transportation broke ground on 
phase I of the recreational trail. This first phase will complete 
approximately 9 miles of the trail from Delaware City to just beyond 
Summit Marina in Delaware, including the construction of two trail 
heads, parking areas, and comfort stations.
  Honoring Congressman Mike Castle's longtime support of recreational 
and commuter-oriented greenways and trails in Delaware and across the 
Nation, as well as his vision, leadership, and steadfast support of the 
Chesapeake and Delaware Canal trail, the Delaware delegation hereby 
dedicates the trail to him and officially recognizes the name as the 
``Michael N. Castle Trail at the C&D Canal.''

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