The Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Club has been awarded a grant of $10,662 from the North Central Greenways Implementation Grant Program.
The trail club is responsible for maintaining the Knox Kane Rail Trail from Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge State Park, which is estimated to be completed by the end of the month.
“Once the trail is completed and ready for trail users, it will be our trail club’s responsibility to keep the trail clear of debris and make sure it is safe for all trail users,” said Carolyn Stroup, president of the trail club.
Stroup explained the different uses for the grant money.
“Our trail club is also going to be developing the section of the Knox Kane Rail Trail from (Center Street in Mount Jewett) to Lantz Corners. Right now, there are three old wooden (railroad) trestles that need to be repaired. This (grant) is to purchase treated lumber to put new decking and handrails on the trestles. This will also include (new signs),” she said.
Stroup added, “We have members that are from the Seneca Highlands Snowmobile Club (in Smethport) and they will be helping us with a lot of the trail work.”
Worth noting, the trail club is entirely all volunteers –– most of whom are retired. However, the club has not gone without its share of turmoil.
“Our trail club advocated for “saving the rails” (railroad tracks) on the Knox Kane Corridor between Mount Jewett and Kinzua Bridge State Park. That didn’t work out and, consequently, (we) lost some members from our club, but we have gained new members and we are moving forward,” said Stroup.
The club has since changed its advocacy and is working to improve the trail and help local business.
“We now advocate for keeping the two sections of the Knox Kane Rail Trail safe and accessible for trail users. We want this rail trail to be a highpoint in McKean County and hopefully bring a big economic boost to the borough of Mount Jewett, the surrounding township and the county.”
Plans will have to wait until the paperwork is completed, which may take a few weeks. After the completion of paperwork, the trail club will break ground.
For more information about the trail club, check out their website at http://www.mj2kbtrail.club.
