Blair County is a four-season mountain community. Our trails, rivers, lakes and slopes help to attract and retain people, their spending power and investment. This is especially true post pandemic. That is why the Blair Chamber has created the Outdoor Recreation and Active Transportation Subcommittee.
Unlike private sector destinations and amusements, our land and water trails are generally considered civic assets. With increased demand for trails and trail development, municipal governments across the Commonwealth are incorporating and expanding these assets into their management and oversight. The availability and use of trails provides a positive economic impact and return on their development and maintenance.
“Many outdoor recreation projects are underway across Blair County which will complement neighboring trails like Rothrock, Allegrippis, and Ghost Town Trails. Forming a group to help monitor and coordinate these projects is critical,” said Blair County Commissioner Dave Kessling, who has agreed to serve as Chair of the new subcommittee. “The County is looking at ways it can support outdoor asset development and working directly with the business community and trail users is very important,” Kessling added.
This new group is a subcommittee of the Chamber’s full Transportation Committee. The subcommittee’s initial goals and activities include but are not limited to the following:
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- Advise/Support the Blair County Commissioners with County trail planning efforts
- Support the Horseshoe Curve Multi-use Trail networking planning and development
- Promote and assist in the development of the 9-11 National Memorial Trail
- Advocate for greater trail connectivity for both recreation and active transportation uses.
- Identify infrastructure gaps and close those gaps through resource identification
- Further development and promotion of the Bells Gap trail and related connections
- Identify and promote “Share the Road” opportunities where they present
- Advise on Economic Development efforts to support small business creation
- Monitor and support the multi-county – ATV study effort
The subcommittee currently includes a broad representation of trail users, funders and municipal interests. If you are a Chamber member and interested in joining this important subcommittee, please contact Jen Fleck, Director of Chamber Operations at jfleck@blairchamber.com
