A chronicle of the founding and development of the 9/11 Trail
By David Brickley, founder and president emeritus, September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance
2001
September 11: A day in infamy as hijacked airplanes attack the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, DC . Passengers and crew manage to crash a plane aimed for the Capitol in Washington in Pennsylvania.
September 16-19: As director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, David Brickley hosts a multi-state conference on Greenways, Blueways and Green Infrastructure in Arlington, VA, just blocks south of the Pentagon. Numerous state and federal partners attend. At the conference concludes, Brickley proposes creating a “continuously linked multi-purpose, non-motorized trail offering varied opportunities including walking, hiking, cycling and handicap accessibility as an active memorial honoring those who gave their lives upholding America’s values of freedom and democracy.”
September 16-19: As director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, David Brickley hosts a multi-state conference on Greenways, Blueways and Green Infrastructure in Arlington, VA, just blocks south of the Pentagon. Numerous state and federal partners attend. At the conference concludes, Brickley proposes creating a “continuously linked multi-purpose, non-motorized trail offering varied opportunities including walking, hiking, cycling and handicap accessibility as an active memorial honoring those who gave their lives upholding America’s values of freedom and democracy.”
2002
October: The September 11th National Patriot Trail Alliance is formed with Brickley (at right) as incorporator, chairman and president. The goal is to develop an 1,100-mile trail/greenway to connect the three 9/11 sites at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the Flight 93 site near Shanksville, PA.
November: Brickley presents on the “9/11 National Day of Remembrance Trail” at a plenary session of the National Trails Symposium in Orlando, FL
November: Brickley presents on the “9/11 National Day of Remembrance Trail” at a plenary session of the National Trails Symposium in Orlando, FL
2003-2005
Brickley refines the concept of a national trail and works with planner Doug Pickford to work on mapping. The original route is set at approximately 940 miles.
2006
Ben Swecker and Brickley refine the mapping of the general route to include Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
2009
January: The nonprofit’s name is officially changed from September 11th National Patriot Trail Alliance to September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance. Brickley is chairman and president and his wife, Lori Brickley, is secretary.
February: The Virginia General Assembly passes Senate Joint Resolution 498 “Commending the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.” It is sponsored by Senator Charles J. Colgan of Prince William County. Senator Colgan and Delegate David Brickley were elected together as members of the Virginia General Assembly in 1975 and served together from 1996 to 1998, when Brickley moved to the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation.
February: The Virginia General Assembly passes Senate Joint Resolution 498 “Commending the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.” It is sponsored by Senator Charles J. Colgan of Prince William County. Senator Colgan and Delegate David Brickley were elected together as members of the Virginia General Assembly in 1975 and served together from 1996 to 1998, when Brickley moved to the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation.
2010
February: Brickley writes to the governors of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York requesting their state’s support in the development of the trail. Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell’s chief of staff tells Brickley that Rendell wholeheartedly supports the proposal. Crossing the Commonwealth, it would be Pennsylvania’s longest connected trail.
March: Pennsylvania’s acting secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources inquires about how Pennsylvania can support the Alliance. “The concept to connect the World Trade Center site with the Pentagon and the Flight 93 memorial site near Shanksville, PA, is in keeping with the pivotal role that Pennsylvania played in hosting the birth of the United States,” the secretary writes. “The Department is very much interested in working with the Alliance to make the 911 trail a reality.” In a meeting with Brickley and other Alliance members and the secretary and his staff, it is agreed that the Pittsburgh-Harrisburg Mainline Canal Greenway could be a significant part of the trail.
August: The Alliance writes to the Somerset County Commissioners Pamela Tokar-Ickes, John Vatavuk and James Markr, who wholeheartedly endorse the project. The potential connection linking the Great Allegheny Passage with the Flight 93 Memorial is an important piece of the Trail’s alignment.
September: National Park Service Acting Associate Director Rich Weideman commits the Park Service’s Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program to working with the Alliance.
October: C. Andrew Ammerman, senior executive counselor to the Pentagon Memorial Fund, which led the effort on the Pentagon Memorial, signals the Fund’s support for a national trail.
March: Pennsylvania’s acting secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources inquires about how Pennsylvania can support the Alliance. “The concept to connect the World Trade Center site with the Pentagon and the Flight 93 memorial site near Shanksville, PA, is in keeping with the pivotal role that Pennsylvania played in hosting the birth of the United States,” the secretary writes. “The Department is very much interested in working with the Alliance to make the 911 trail a reality.” In a meeting with Brickley and other Alliance members and the secretary and his staff, it is agreed that the Pittsburgh-Harrisburg Mainline Canal Greenway could be a significant part of the trail.
August: The Alliance writes to the Somerset County Commissioners Pamela Tokar-Ickes, John Vatavuk and James Markr, who wholeheartedly endorse the project. The potential connection linking the Great Allegheny Passage with the Flight 93 Memorial is an important piece of the Trail’s alignment.
September: National Park Service Acting Associate Director Rich Weideman commits the Park Service’s Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program to working with the Alliance.
October: C. Andrew Ammerman, senior executive counselor to the Pentagon Memorial Fund, which led the effort on the Pentagon Memorial, signals the Fund’s support for a national trail.
2011
Bob Thomas, a long-time trail planner, designer, and advocate and Alliance board member, is honored by the Rails to Trails Conservancy along with 9/11 Trail Founder David Brickley as one of the top 25 trail champions.
January: The Internal Revenue Service approves the Alliance’s ax exempt status.
March: The New York/New Jersey Trail Conference officially adopts the Lenape Trail in Essex County, NJ. The now 150-mile Liberty WaterGap Trail includes Paulinskill Valley, Sussex Branch, Patriots Path, Lenape Trail, East Coast Greenway (Newark to Jersey City), and Hudson River Waterfront Walkway (Jersey City to Liberty State Park.)
The Liberty WaterGap Trail’s Steve Marano asks Russ Nee, trails foreman for the Morris County Park Commission, to work with Brickley on the 9/11 Trail.
May: The Alliance makes a well-received presentation to Chairman John Reynolds and members of the Flight 93 Advisory Commission.
Somerset County Commissioners, led by Trail Manager Brett Hollern, host a successful 9/11 Trail planning charrette on connecting the Great Allegheny Passage and the Flight 93 National Memorial. This project fits nicely with the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage, which extends from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, where it merges with the 184-mile Chesapeake and Ohio National Historical Trail.
The Senate of Pennsylvania, under the lead sponsorship of Senator Charles T. McIIhinney, Jr., and the House of Representatives, under the lead sponsorship of Representative Steve Santarsiero, pass resolutions commending the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance for its endeavors. Brickley is invited to accept the resolutions on the floor of both the Senate and House.
June: John J. Reynolds, Chair of the Flight 93 Advisory Commission, writes to inform the Alliance this his group has formally resolved to support the efforts of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.
July: The Morris County Park Commission under Executive Director David Helmer and Trails Supervisor Russ Nee host a public meeting in Morris County, NJ, to discuss the county’s participation in the development of the 9/11 Trail. Nee and the commission become great partners of the Alliance.
October: The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy honors Bob Thomas and David Brickley as two of the top 25 Trail Champions in the United States. Among a number of conservation organizations lending their support, Rails to Trails Conservancy donates $1,000 to the Alliance.
December: A first meeting of the Alliance’s expanded board of directors convenes.
March: The New York/New Jersey Trail Conference officially adopts the Lenape Trail in Essex County, NJ. The now 150-mile Liberty WaterGap Trail includes Paulinskill Valley, Sussex Branch, Patriots Path, Lenape Trail, East Coast Greenway (Newark to Jersey City), and Hudson River Waterfront Walkway (Jersey City to Liberty State Park.)
The Liberty WaterGap Trail’s Steve Marano asks Russ Nee, trails foreman for the Morris County Park Commission, to work with Brickley on the 9/11 Trail.
May: The Alliance makes a well-received presentation to Chairman John Reynolds and members of the Flight 93 Advisory Commission.
Somerset County Commissioners, led by Trail Manager Brett Hollern, host a successful 9/11 Trail planning charrette on connecting the Great Allegheny Passage and the Flight 93 National Memorial. This project fits nicely with the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage, which extends from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, where it merges with the 184-mile Chesapeake and Ohio National Historical Trail.
The Senate of Pennsylvania, under the lead sponsorship of Senator Charles T. McIIhinney, Jr., and the House of Representatives, under the lead sponsorship of Representative Steve Santarsiero, pass resolutions commending the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance for its endeavors. Brickley is invited to accept the resolutions on the floor of both the Senate and House.
June: John J. Reynolds, Chair of the Flight 93 Advisory Commission, writes to inform the Alliance this his group has formally resolved to support the efforts of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.
July: The Morris County Park Commission under Executive Director David Helmer and Trails Supervisor Russ Nee host a public meeting in Morris County, NJ, to discuss the county’s participation in the development of the 9/11 Trail. Nee and the commission become great partners of the Alliance.
October: The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy honors Bob Thomas and David Brickley as two of the top 25 Trail Champions in the United States. Among a number of conservation organizations lending their support, Rails to Trails Conservancy donates $1,000 to the Alliance.
December: A first meeting of the Alliance’s expanded board of directors convenes.
2012
January: The National Park Service approves Rivers, Trail and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) support for the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.
March: The Alliance holds its first annual meeting at the home of Bob Thomas in Philadelphia. A grant application to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for trail feasibility across Pennsylvania is developed and submitted in April.
September: With the support of the Laurel Highlands On-and Off Road Bicycle Association, the Alliance holds its first bike ride between the Flight 93 National Memorial and Rockwood, PA.
October: Campbell Thomas and Company begins a feasibility study for the Liberty Water Gap Trail in Pennsylvania linking Portland, PA, with Columbia, NJ.
November: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources awards a $50,000 matching grant to Somerset County for a feasibility study of the 9/11 Memorial Trail alignment in Pennsylvania, the result of the Alliance’s grant submission.
Deborah Borza, a cyclist whose daughter was a hero on Flight 93, joins the Alliance’s Board of Directors.
December: The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., president of the Senate of Maryland, writes a letter of support to Governor Martin J. O’Malley. Maryland supports the 9/11 Trail.
December: Dominion Resources’ Dominion Foundation grants the Alliance $10,000 for work on brochure for the Pentagon Memorial.
March: The Alliance holds its first annual meeting at the home of Bob Thomas in Philadelphia. A grant application to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for trail feasibility across Pennsylvania is developed and submitted in April.
September: With the support of the Laurel Highlands On-and Off Road Bicycle Association, the Alliance holds its first bike ride between the Flight 93 National Memorial and Rockwood, PA.
October: Campbell Thomas and Company begins a feasibility study for the Liberty Water Gap Trail in Pennsylvania linking Portland, PA, with Columbia, NJ.
November: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources awards a $50,000 matching grant to Somerset County for a feasibility study of the 9/11 Memorial Trail alignment in Pennsylvania, the result of the Alliance’s grant submission.
Deborah Borza, a cyclist whose daughter was a hero on Flight 93, joins the Alliance’s Board of Directors.
December: The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., president of the Senate of Maryland, writes a letter of support to Governor Martin J. O’Malley. Maryland supports the 9/11 Trail.
December: Dominion Resources’ Dominion Foundation grants the Alliance $10,000 for work on brochure for the Pentagon Memorial.
2013
January: Kent Taylor, DCNR staff member and Alliance member, unveils prototype 9/11 Trail Map Tour on an ERSI platform.
March: Alliance holds its board meeting at Morris County Park Commission headquarters in Morristown, N.J.
April: The Alliance receives a grant of $3,500 from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.
June: A dedication celebrates completion of the final section of the Great Allegheny Passage south of Pittsburgh. Thanks to Linda McKenna Boxx for her vision and leadership.
September: National Park Service approves an additional year of RTCA assistance to the Alliance.
March: Alliance holds its board meeting at Morris County Park Commission headquarters in Morristown, N.J.
April: The Alliance receives a grant of $3,500 from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.
June: A dedication celebrates completion of the final section of the Great Allegheny Passage south of Pittsburgh. Thanks to Linda McKenna Boxx for her vision and leadership.
September: National Park Service approves an additional year of RTCA assistance to the Alliance.
2014
February: A Memorandum of Agreement is executed between the County of Somerset, PA, and the Alliance allowing for the planning and development of the 9/11 Trail through Somerset County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Signing the agreement are Somerset County Board of Commissioners John P. Vatavuk, Joe Betta and Pamela A. Tokar-Ickes and Alliance President David G. Brickley.
March: Pennsylvania’s DCNR approves a grant for funding the planned corridor for the 9/11 Trail across Pennsylvania. Robert Thomas of Campbell Thomas & Company is awarded the grant. Somerset County and Trail Manager Brett Hollern will manage the grant. This study was made possible through support of the PA DCNR, The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, and the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance. The DCNR Project Manager is M. Wesley Fahringer.
Borough of Berlin supports proposed abandoned railroad connection from the Great Allegheny Passage at Garrett through Berlin to the Flight 93 National Memorial.
The Alliance holds its annual meeting at League of American Cyclists headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Pentagon Memorial Trail Circuit Map is released, a project by Bruce Dwyer with assistance from Ben Swecker.
April: Office of the Secretary of Defense Michael Rhodes, writing on behalf of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, states: “We appreciate the efforts of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance to honor and recognize those who perished during the attack in 2001. The Alliance’s efforts to honor them are consistent with the purpose of our Pentagon Memorial.”
Brickley communicates with CSX’s Joseph Lisska about acquiring an abandoned railroad corridor in Somerset County.
June: The steering committee for the September 11th National Memorial Trail Feasibility Study – Delaware Water Gap to Flight 93 meets in Wrightsville, PA. Three public meetings will be held in October.
August: Thomas, Hollern and Brickley develop timetable to open trail section from Garrett to Flight 93 memorial by September 11, 2016.
March: Pennsylvania’s DCNR approves a grant for funding the planned corridor for the 9/11 Trail across Pennsylvania. Robert Thomas of Campbell Thomas & Company is awarded the grant. Somerset County and Trail Manager Brett Hollern will manage the grant. This study was made possible through support of the PA DCNR, The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, and the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance. The DCNR Project Manager is M. Wesley Fahringer.
Borough of Berlin supports proposed abandoned railroad connection from the Great Allegheny Passage at Garrett through Berlin to the Flight 93 National Memorial.
The Alliance holds its annual meeting at League of American Cyclists headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Pentagon Memorial Trail Circuit Map is released, a project by Bruce Dwyer with assistance from Ben Swecker.
April: Office of the Secretary of Defense Michael Rhodes, writing on behalf of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, states: “We appreciate the efforts of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance to honor and recognize those who perished during the attack in 2001. The Alliance’s efforts to honor them are consistent with the purpose of our Pentagon Memorial.”
Brickley communicates with CSX’s Joseph Lisska about acquiring an abandoned railroad corridor in Somerset County.
June: The steering committee for the September 11th National Memorial Trail Feasibility Study – Delaware Water Gap to Flight 93 meets in Wrightsville, PA. Three public meetings will be held in October.
August: Thomas, Hollern and Brickley develop timetable to open trail section from Garrett to Flight 93 memorial by September 11, 2016.
2015
January: New Jersey DOT agrees to fund a feasibility study of proposed cycling/walking routes across New Jersey from Pennsylvania to New York City.
March: CSX’s Catherine Adkins offers to sell the CSX corridor in Somerset County to the Alliance for $205,000. Brickley, on behalf of the Alliance, accepts the CSX offer to purchase (funding to be determined.)
April: Somerset County agrees to submit a Federal Land Access Program (FLAP) grant request with the Alliance to acquire the CSX corridor and develop the trail. The Alliance also applies for DCNR’s Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grant for trail acquisition. Support includes endorsements from Congressman Bill Shuster (PA), Senator Mark Warner (VA), Flight 93 National Memorial Superintendent Stephen Clark, Allegheny Ridge Corporation and Somerset County Commissioners.
Somerset County Commissioners approve an additional $10,000 to Campbell Thomas & Company for a more detailed trail feasibility analysis for the use of the CSX corridor from Garrett to Berlin.
The Alliance holds its annual meeting at Elizabethtown College in Elizabeth, PA, and approves the proposed trail alignment across Pennsylvania. Many thanks to Bob Thomas and his team for an exciting and historic route.
May: Congressman Bill Shuster writes to the Federal Highway Administration supporting the application by Somerset County and the Alliance for FLAP project funding.
June: CSX Corporation provides a revised purchase agreement for 130 acres of abandoned railroad corridor after several months of negotiations.
A planning meeting at the Essex County Environmental Center, NJ, kicks off study of the 9/11 Trail cycling and walking route across New Jersey. Mike Dannemiller of The RBA Group, Inc. leads the study.
Somerset County Commissioners Chair John Vatavuk requests DCNR issue a Waiver of Retroactivity for the DCNR grant application under the C2P2 grant program so that the project grant funds, if approved, could be used to close on the CSX property prior to the end of 2015.
Brickley writes Michael Ward, chairman and CEO of CSX Corp., requesting that CSX consider donating the 130 acres of abandoned rail corridor. Brickley notes that 2016 will be the 15th anniversary of 9/11/2001 and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Park Service.
At Brickley’s request, Senator Mark Warner (VA) contacts the U.S. Department of Interior seeking its review of the FLAP grant request.
July: The Tribune Democrat writes Senator Bob “Casey urges funding for Flight 93 trail link.” Senator Pat Toomey also issues a letter of support for the FLAP grant for trail construction.
The Alliance Board of Directors formalizes its efforts for a bike ride across Pennsylvania commencing by September 11th to follow the route adopted by the Alliance board. The final 9/11 Route Feasibility Report will be hand delivered to Governor Wolf’s office and DCNR in September.
July: Stakeholders meet in Morristown, NJ, as part of the New Jersey DOT route study for 9/11 Trail route across New Jersey.
August: Flight 93 Memorial’s Assistant Superintendent Keith Newlin tells Brickley that the September 11th National Memorial Trail will be awarded an initial $500,000 Federal Lands Access Program Grant for the development of the 9/11 Trail in Pennsylvania.
September: Peggy Pings announces that the Alliance is approved for an additional year of National Park Service RTCA support, focusing on New Jersey by The RBA Group.
CSX announces it will donate 130 acres of abandoned railroad corridor to the Alliance to be developed into 10 miles of trail from Garrett at the Great Allegheny Passage through Berlin to the Flight 93 National Memorial. This means that the FLAP grant can be used entirely for development and construction, rather than acquisition.
The Alliance announces its official interim trail alignment across Pennsylvania, which it will celebrate with an inaugural bicycle ride from western Pennsylvania to New York City led by Alliance board member Eric Brenner. Brickley and the cyclists meet Cindy Dunn, Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources, on the steps of the State Capitol.
November: The Alliance’s “Northern Pilgrimage through Pennsylvania Trail Alignment Study” is formally presented, including the connection of CSX corridor from Garrett to Berlin.
December: The New Jersey 9/11 Memorial Trail Corridor Feasibility Study is released, detailing the non-motorized and motorized route for the 9/11 Trail across New Jersey.
March: CSX’s Catherine Adkins offers to sell the CSX corridor in Somerset County to the Alliance for $205,000. Brickley, on behalf of the Alliance, accepts the CSX offer to purchase (funding to be determined.)
April: Somerset County agrees to submit a Federal Land Access Program (FLAP) grant request with the Alliance to acquire the CSX corridor and develop the trail. The Alliance also applies for DCNR’s Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grant for trail acquisition. Support includes endorsements from Congressman Bill Shuster (PA), Senator Mark Warner (VA), Flight 93 National Memorial Superintendent Stephen Clark, Allegheny Ridge Corporation and Somerset County Commissioners.
Somerset County Commissioners approve an additional $10,000 to Campbell Thomas & Company for a more detailed trail feasibility analysis for the use of the CSX corridor from Garrett to Berlin.
The Alliance holds its annual meeting at Elizabethtown College in Elizabeth, PA, and approves the proposed trail alignment across Pennsylvania. Many thanks to Bob Thomas and his team for an exciting and historic route.
May: Congressman Bill Shuster writes to the Federal Highway Administration supporting the application by Somerset County and the Alliance for FLAP project funding.
June: CSX Corporation provides a revised purchase agreement for 130 acres of abandoned railroad corridor after several months of negotiations.
A planning meeting at the Essex County Environmental Center, NJ, kicks off study of the 9/11 Trail cycling and walking route across New Jersey. Mike Dannemiller of The RBA Group, Inc. leads the study.
Somerset County Commissioners Chair John Vatavuk requests DCNR issue a Waiver of Retroactivity for the DCNR grant application under the C2P2 grant program so that the project grant funds, if approved, could be used to close on the CSX property prior to the end of 2015.
Brickley writes Michael Ward, chairman and CEO of CSX Corp., requesting that CSX consider donating the 130 acres of abandoned rail corridor. Brickley notes that 2016 will be the 15th anniversary of 9/11/2001 and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Park Service.
At Brickley’s request, Senator Mark Warner (VA) contacts the U.S. Department of Interior seeking its review of the FLAP grant request.
July: The Tribune Democrat writes Senator Bob “Casey urges funding for Flight 93 trail link.” Senator Pat Toomey also issues a letter of support for the FLAP grant for trail construction.
The Alliance Board of Directors formalizes its efforts for a bike ride across Pennsylvania commencing by September 11th to follow the route adopted by the Alliance board. The final 9/11 Route Feasibility Report will be hand delivered to Governor Wolf’s office and DCNR in September.
July: Stakeholders meet in Morristown, NJ, as part of the New Jersey DOT route study for 9/11 Trail route across New Jersey.
August: Flight 93 Memorial’s Assistant Superintendent Keith Newlin tells Brickley that the September 11th National Memorial Trail will be awarded an initial $500,000 Federal Lands Access Program Grant for the development of the 9/11 Trail in Pennsylvania.
September: Peggy Pings announces that the Alliance is approved for an additional year of National Park Service RTCA support, focusing on New Jersey by The RBA Group.
CSX announces it will donate 130 acres of abandoned railroad corridor to the Alliance to be developed into 10 miles of trail from Garrett at the Great Allegheny Passage through Berlin to the Flight 93 National Memorial. This means that the FLAP grant can be used entirely for development and construction, rather than acquisition.
The Alliance announces its official interim trail alignment across Pennsylvania, which it will celebrate with an inaugural bicycle ride from western Pennsylvania to New York City led by Alliance board member Eric Brenner. Brickley and the cyclists meet Cindy Dunn, Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources, on the steps of the State Capitol.
November: The Alliance’s “Northern Pilgrimage through Pennsylvania Trail Alignment Study” is formally presented, including the connection of CSX corridor from Garrett to Berlin.
December: The New Jersey 9/11 Memorial Trail Corridor Feasibility Study is released, detailing the non-motorized and motorized route for the 9/11 Trail across New Jersey.
2016
May: The Alliance holds its annual meeting at the Maryland Department of Commerce’s World Trade Center in Baltimore. Hollern reports that the deed transfers of CSX property have been delivered to Somerset County. Somerset County already owns 40 plus miles of the Great Allegheny Passage. In other reports: $200,000 of the Federal Lands Access grant has been approved with an additional $2 million coming over the next several years.
Brickley reports positive discussions with Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA) seeking Congressional designation for the September 11th National Memorial Trail. Hollern notes that Senator Toomey may be supportive, too. The board passes a motion to proceed with seeking Congressional recognition.
September: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy publishes a magazine story on the 9/11 Trail: Trail of Tributes: September 11 Memorial Trail Honors America’s Fallen Heroes.
The Alliance celebrates official ribbon cutting of 9/11 Trail to the Flight 93 National Memorial with a 21-mile ride to the Garrett trailhead on the Great Allegheny Passage. Local and state officials and volunteers attending include DCNR’s Diane Kripas and Henry C. Scully, executive director of the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial.
October: Washington D.C.’s Capital Trails Coalition is formed, with the September 11th National Memorial Trail as a member.
Brickley reports positive discussions with Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA) seeking Congressional designation for the September 11th National Memorial Trail. Hollern notes that Senator Toomey may be supportive, too. The board passes a motion to proceed with seeking Congressional recognition.
September: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy publishes a magazine story on the 9/11 Trail: Trail of Tributes: September 11 Memorial Trail Honors America’s Fallen Heroes.
The Alliance celebrates official ribbon cutting of 9/11 Trail to the Flight 93 National Memorial with a 21-mile ride to the Garrett trailhead on the Great Allegheny Passage. Local and state officials and volunteers attending include DCNR’s Diane Kripas and Henry C. Scully, executive director of the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial.
October: Washington D.C.’s Capital Trails Coalition is formed, with the September 11th National Memorial Trail as a member.
2017
May: Congressman Gerald Connolly (VA) introduces House Concurrent Resolution 60 recognizing the September 11th National Memorial Trail and Alliance. It is co-sponsored by numerous Republican and Democratic congressman, but the House fails to have it move forward during 2017 and 2018 sessions of Congress.
June: Alliance holds its annual meeting at Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Hollern reports that Somerset County has $530,000 in funding for the GAP to Flight 93 connection — $400,000 from the Federal Lands Access Program through the National Park Service and $130,000 from the Pennsylvania DCNR. About 1.5 miles of the four miles of trail from Garrett are currently in design at a cost of $100,000. Another $30,000 has been spent on soil testing. About 12.5 miles of the trail to the Flight 93 National Memorial will be on road. Jane Sheffield notes the feasibility study of a 42-mile trail from Alexandria in Huntington County, PA to Lewistown in Mifflin County is ready to start.
Brickley reports that he wants to hold a fundraising bike and running event from Garrett to the Flight 93 National Memorial in September 2018. The board approves the hiring of Tom Baxter as executive director. Brickley says the time is ripe for a change in leadership, so a new slate of officers is elected: Andy Hamilton as chairman, Eric Brenner as vice chairman, Karl King as secretary and Jane Sheffield as treasurer.
December: The Army Corp of Engineers visits the CSX corridor and notes that field conditions show nearly a half acre of wetlands which will require wetlands mitigation.
June: Alliance holds its annual meeting at Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Hollern reports that Somerset County has $530,000 in funding for the GAP to Flight 93 connection — $400,000 from the Federal Lands Access Program through the National Park Service and $130,000 from the Pennsylvania DCNR. About 1.5 miles of the four miles of trail from Garrett are currently in design at a cost of $100,000. Another $30,000 has been spent on soil testing. About 12.5 miles of the trail to the Flight 93 National Memorial will be on road. Jane Sheffield notes the feasibility study of a 42-mile trail from Alexandria in Huntington County, PA to Lewistown in Mifflin County is ready to start.
Brickley reports that he wants to hold a fundraising bike and running event from Garrett to the Flight 93 National Memorial in September 2018. The board approves the hiring of Tom Baxter as executive director. Brickley says the time is ripe for a change in leadership, so a new slate of officers is elected: Andy Hamilton as chairman, Eric Brenner as vice chairman, Karl King as secretary and Jane Sheffield as treasurer.
December: The Army Corp of Engineers visits the CSX corridor and notes that field conditions show nearly a half acre of wetlands which will require wetlands mitigation.
2018
Russ Nee of Randolph, NJ, accepts Golden Spike Award in Shanksville, PA from Alliance President Emeritus David Brickley, left, and Board Chair Andy Hamilton, right, on September 11, 2018.
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May: Brothers Valley Township holds a public hearing on a proposed bike route using township roads. Both supporters and opponents attend, but township supervisors do not support the on-road alignment. They do support the off-road alignment using the CSX corridor.
The Alliance holds its annual meeting at the Heritage Discovery Center in Johnstown, PA. |
2019
September 11: Senate Resolution 267, sponsored by Senators Pat Toomey (PA), Mark Warner (VA) and Bob Casey (PA) passes the .S. Senate “Recognizing the September 11th National Memorial Trail as an important trail and greenway all individuals should enjoy in honor of the heroes of September 11th.”
November: Brickley and Hamilton meet with senior officials at the National Park Service and Department of Interior to discuss how to achieve National Trails status for the 9/11 Trail.
November: Brickley and Hamilton meet with senior officials at the National Park Service and Department of Interior to discuss how to achieve National Trails status for the 9/11 Trail.
2020
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February: Somerset County adds 6.7 acres of land to develop another section of the 9/11 Trail's segment from Garrett to Berlin. Read more.
May: Launched the 9/11 National Memorial Trail Challenge, a virtual tour of the 9/11 Trail that encouraged participants to walk, run, and/or bike the 1,500-mile alignment during Covid-19. September: This September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance holds a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the launch of construction on a new 1.4-mile trail section in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. This new segment begins the Alliance's envisioned 20-mile connection from the Great Allegheny Passage Trail to the Flight 93 National Memorial. The 2nd Annual Tour de Trail: Flight 93 Memorial bike ride goes virtual in response to safety concerns. |
2021
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April: In collaboration with Somerset County, the Alliance hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the newest segment of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail in Garrett, PA on April 30th. The new 1.5-mile portion of the trail splits off from the Great Allegheny Passage at the Garrett trailhead, traverses the town of Garrett, and utilizes a former CSX railroad corridor. This addition becomes the first purpose-built section of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail.
September: Held the 3rd Annual Tour de Trail: Flight 93 Memorial, a 24-mile bike ride beginning in Berlin, PA to the Flight 93 National Memorial, and back. |
The Journey of Federal Designation for the 9/11 National Memorial Trail:
May: Alliance Founder and President Emeritus, David Brickley, speaks before the House Committee on Natural Resources on Thursday May 27th in regards to legislation H.R. 2278. The bill is approved by the House Natural Resources Committee and will move to the full U.S. House of Representatives for a vote.
July: On Thursday, July 29, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives voted unanimously (423–0) to support and pass legislation H.R. 2278. This legislation paves the way for the Secretary of Interior to authorize the designation of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail as a national touring route that links the three 9/11 national memorials together… Shanksville, PA, New York City, NY, and Arlington, VA.
October 1: The Senate unanimously passed legislation H.R. 2278, to designate the 9/11 National Memorial Trail. The passing of Legislation H.R. 2278 by the House of Representatives and The Senate is a monumental step, toward our ultimate goal of the bill being signed into law by President Biden in commemoration of that fateful day 20 years ago.
October 14: In the Oval Office, President Biden signed H.R. 2278, bipartisan legislation to designate the September 11th National Memorial Trail, a trail route linking the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The 9/11 Trail is proud to see the bipartisan contributions to the passing of H.R. 2278, as it passed with unanimous consent in both the House of Representatives (423-0 vote) as well as the Senate. The signing of this bill by President Biden is a tremendous step in developing a trail that provides our country with a beautiful symbol of our nation’s resiliency, and it will serve as a commemorative tribute to the fallen heroes of September 11, 2001.
May: Alliance Founder and President Emeritus, David Brickley, speaks before the House Committee on Natural Resources on Thursday May 27th in regards to legislation H.R. 2278. The bill is approved by the House Natural Resources Committee and will move to the full U.S. House of Representatives for a vote.
July: On Thursday, July 29, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives voted unanimously (423–0) to support and pass legislation H.R. 2278. This legislation paves the way for the Secretary of Interior to authorize the designation of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail as a national touring route that links the three 9/11 national memorials together… Shanksville, PA, New York City, NY, and Arlington, VA.
October 1: The Senate unanimously passed legislation H.R. 2278, to designate the 9/11 National Memorial Trail. The passing of Legislation H.R. 2278 by the House of Representatives and The Senate is a monumental step, toward our ultimate goal of the bill being signed into law by President Biden in commemoration of that fateful day 20 years ago.
October 14: In the Oval Office, President Biden signed H.R. 2278, bipartisan legislation to designate the September 11th National Memorial Trail, a trail route linking the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The 9/11 Trail is proud to see the bipartisan contributions to the passing of H.R. 2278, as it passed with unanimous consent in both the House of Representatives (423-0 vote) as well as the Senate. The signing of this bill by President Biden is a tremendous step in developing a trail that provides our country with a beautiful symbol of our nation’s resiliency, and it will serve as a commemorative tribute to the fallen heroes of September 11, 2001.
2022
March: On March 11, Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), joined trail supporters and government officials at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve to announce the official designation of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail as a Statewide Major Greenway.
June: The Alliance hosted an inspiring group of 20+ cyclists to set off on the first 9/11 National Memorial Trail Tour – a 27-day, 1,200-mile bike ride via the 9/11 Trail. This is the largest group to ever ride the entirety of the alignment.
August: Formed a partnership with Warrior Expeditions, a veteran nonprofit outdoor therapy program that assists veterans transition from their wartime experiences through long distance outdoor expeditions. Celebrated U.S. Army Veteran Kevin Wilson and his service dog Calvin for completing the first-ever Warrior Hike of the 1,500-mile September 11th National Memorial Trail.
September: Held the 4th Annual Tour de Trail: Flight 93 Memorial event, a 24-mile bike ride beginning in Berlin, PA to the Flight 93 National Memorial, and back. Participants learned the "Story of Flight 93" through a presentation by an NPS Interpretive Ranger.
June: The Alliance hosted an inspiring group of 20+ cyclists to set off on the first 9/11 National Memorial Trail Tour – a 27-day, 1,200-mile bike ride via the 9/11 Trail. This is the largest group to ever ride the entirety of the alignment.
August: Formed a partnership with Warrior Expeditions, a veteran nonprofit outdoor therapy program that assists veterans transition from their wartime experiences through long distance outdoor expeditions. Celebrated U.S. Army Veteran Kevin Wilson and his service dog Calvin for completing the first-ever Warrior Hike of the 1,500-mile September 11th National Memorial Trail.
September: Held the 4th Annual Tour de Trail: Flight 93 Memorial event, a 24-mile bike ride beginning in Berlin, PA to the Flight 93 National Memorial, and back. Participants learned the "Story of Flight 93" through a presentation by an NPS Interpretive Ranger.
2023
May: Hosts the first-ever Let's Roll – Endurance Trial event at Dominion Raceway in Thornburg, Virginia. Featured an esteemed list of guest speakers including Jeffery McCauley, President of the Alliance; Sheriff Roger Harris from the Spotsylvania County Police Department; Russell Nee, a retired firefighter and 9/11 Trail Board Member; Tim Brown, retired FDNY, 9/11 first responder, and 9/11 Trail Board Member; and Bill Gleason, a retired Long Island firefighter and 9/11 first responder diagnosed with a 9/11-related illness.
June: Held a two-week Pennsylvania Statewide Tour beginning in Pittsburgh on June 19 and traveling southeast via the 9/11 Trail before commencing in Philadelphia on July 3.
The Alliance holds its annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
September: Hosts U.S. Marine Corps Veterans, Kevin and Kristi Black, of Warrior Expeditions on the 9/11 Trail for the first-ever Warrior Bike of the September 11th National Memorial Trail.
Held the 1st Annual Tour de Trail: Pentagon Memorial event, a three-mile walk beginning in Arlington, VA to the Pentagon National Memorial, and back. The Alliance had three distinguished speakers, including United States Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), a co-sponsor of the Trail's legislation H.R. 2278; Advisory Board Member Tedd Ogren, a retired Lieutenant Colonel who was working in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001; and Advisory Board Member Thomas Heidenberger, a retired US Airways pilot whose wife, Michelle, was a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 77.
October: Held the 5th Annual Tour de Trail: Flight 93 Memorial event, a 24-mile bike ride beginning in Berlin, PA to the Flight 93 National Memorial, and back. Participants learned the "Story of Flight 93" through a presentation by an NPS Interpretive Ranger.
June: Held a two-week Pennsylvania Statewide Tour beginning in Pittsburgh on June 19 and traveling southeast via the 9/11 Trail before commencing in Philadelphia on July 3.
The Alliance holds its annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
September: Hosts U.S. Marine Corps Veterans, Kevin and Kristi Black, of Warrior Expeditions on the 9/11 Trail for the first-ever Warrior Bike of the September 11th National Memorial Trail.
Held the 1st Annual Tour de Trail: Pentagon Memorial event, a three-mile walk beginning in Arlington, VA to the Pentagon National Memorial, and back. The Alliance had three distinguished speakers, including United States Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), a co-sponsor of the Trail's legislation H.R. 2278; Advisory Board Member Tedd Ogren, a retired Lieutenant Colonel who was working in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001; and Advisory Board Member Thomas Heidenberger, a retired US Airways pilot whose wife, Michelle, was a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 77.
October: Held the 5th Annual Tour de Trail: Flight 93 Memorial event, a 24-mile bike ride beginning in Berlin, PA to the Flight 93 National Memorial, and back. Participants learned the "Story of Flight 93" through a presentation by an NPS Interpretive Ranger.