The multi-county project to develop this trail will leverage the existing assets of the community and compliment the International Tour De’Toona, a US bicycle race open to both professional racers and amateur recreational cyclists.  Volunteer and professional support will be used to build the trail while the Juniata College Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (JCEL) will provide space in a local business incubator and technical assistance for developing recreational-based entrepreneurial businesses.  Other project partners will include two local off-road bicycling associations and the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau.

“Central and western Pennsylvania has so much to offer and one of the main attractions is the outdoors,” said Congressman Shuster, who is the chairman of the subcommittee that oversees ARC.  “This funding will make even more of Pennsylvania’s scenery accessible to residents, tourists and sightseers.  ARC has done a great job encouraging local economic development by making use of local resources for the benefit of the community.”  

ARC Alternate Federal Co-Chair Richard Peltz said, “This project is an excellent example of how the Appalachian Region can develop its natural assets to boost economic development.  Raystown Lake is the largest inbound lake in Pennsylvania and already a natural point of attraction for tourism.  A new 30-mile trail and recreational center will help to extend the tourist season and boost local businesses in the process.  It is a win-win for visitors and the economy alike.”  

The area surrounding Raystown Lake currently does not have services available to visitors utilizing the existing trails there.  The SAPDC expects to initiate the project in November of this year.