GHC News Article - Greater Hagerstown Committee Inc.

GHC News

June 2019: GHC Regular Monthly Meeting - C&O Canal National Park Headquarters

June 29, 2019

About 5 million people visit the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal) each year in search of nature, hiking, biking, boating, history, and recreation, making it Maryland’s most visited national park. Recent investments in the canal’s infrastructure including the resurfacing of the towpath and ongoing restorations to the aqueduct - which now allows visitors to experience all the aspects of a working canal including a boat ride through a lock - has greatly enhanced the visitor experience and led to a rise in tourism for the town of Williamsport. In 2017 more than 420,000 people visited the C&O Canal in Williamsport spending nearly $6 million dollars, and supporting more than 800 local jobs. At this month’s GHC meeting Mr. Kevin Brandt, Superintendent of the C&O Canal National Park, gave a presentation about the new C&O Canal Park Headquarters which is moving to the town of Williamsport. It has taken several years of meetings and negotiations between the town of Williamsport, Washington County government, the National Park Service, MEDCO, and various other entities and individuals to bring this project to fruition. The move will bring approximately 100 jobs to Williamsport, provide additional parking and a premier visitor center, as well as provide a nice economic boost to the town’s economy. You may view the presentation given by Mr. Brandt here on the GHC website under the Publications tab.

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