8/29/05 - by Dennis Pfeiffer (President Montour Trail Council)
Less than a year after Hurricane Ivan made 10 miles of the Montour Trail impassable, the Montour Trail Council has achieved what once seemed impossible--reopening the trail.

A grand "reopening" celebration will be held on September 16, at 3:00 p.m., at the former Wickes parking lot off Montour Run Road, to thank the many people and organizations who have helped to put these popular 10 miles of trail, from mile zero in Moon Township to Findlay Township, back in service.

Robinson and Moon Township work crews laid four miles of new limestone surface earlier this month, restoring the Montour Trail's western segment to an uninterrupted 22 miles. A short segment near mile zero has not been completely restored due to a pending water line installation, but is passable.

Among those whom the Montour Trail Council will thank on September 16 are:

• Findlay, Moon and Robinson Township elected officials and road crews.
• Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and the county's Public Works Department.
• Grants from Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for $50,000, Allegheny County Regional Asset District for $75,000; Laurel Foundation for $25,000.
• Individuals who donated over $22,000 designated for trail repair and gave hundreds of volunteer work hours.
• Trail repair contractor BKG, Inc.

Sept. 2004 - by Mark Imgrund (VP Montour Trail Council)
On September 17, 2004, floodwaters from the remnants of Hurricane Ivan have heavily damaged several miles of the Montour Trail, one of western Pennsylvania's most heavily used recreational resources. The first 9 miles of Montour Trail's 39 completed trail miles in Allegheny and Washington Counties suffered quite a blow, requiring closure of the trail in that area. The photos below show some of the damage.

Our engineers' current damage estimate is $475,000 for the first 6½ miles. Another $100,000 is needed for fencing and signs. Possible funding sources are currently being reviewed. Our gracious thanks go out to the community for the many offers of help. For those wanting to help financially you may contribute to the Flood Repair Fund as described below.

All trail sections damaged by the flood have been reopened!
A short 0.2 mi segment near mile zero has diverted onto the adjacent paved road.

• MTC Press Release (MS Word doc)- Damaged Miles Back In Service
  Montour Trail Council, Aug. 29, 2005.
• Flood Repair Continues With Moon Township Help, DCNR Grant (MS Word doc)
  June 22, 2005
• Montour Trail Coming Together
  Pittsburgh Post Gazette, May 13, 2005.
• Flood Repair Funds (MS Word doc)
  April 29, 2005
• Creek washes out portion of Montour Trail
  Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Sept. 22, 2004.
• MTC Flood Press Release (MS Word doc)
  Montour Trail Council, Sept. 21, 2004.
• MTC Flood Repair Press Release (MS Word doc)
  Montour Trail Council, Feb. 23, 2005.

• All volunteers wishing to help clean up the flood damage,
  send your name, address, availability, and any special skills,
  (e.g. heavy equipment operator) to:
  

All donations are very much appreciated. You can help us by doing the following:

• Donate to the Montour Trail on-line using PayPal.
  You can now donate any
  amount using Paypal!
  
  
  
• Donate by mailing your check, made out to the Montour Trail Council. Note "Flood Repair Fund" on the check, and mail to:       Montour Trail Council
        304 Hickman Street, Suite #3
        Bridgeville, PA 15017.
• Support the trail by becoming a member of the Montour Trail Council.
  Join the Montour TrailCouncil