Reply to Proposed rehab between McMahon's Mill and Lock 42

C&O Canal proposes towpath rehabilitation between McMahon's Mill and Lock 42

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park plans to rehabilitate the park's towpath from McMahon's Mill to Lock 42 in Williamsport to better protect that section of the towpath from flooding.

Park officials said in a news release that the plan is to stabilize and raise the level of the towpath and a retaining wall along the section of it to lessen the impact of flooding.

The roughly one-mile section of the towpath consistently is under water during river flooding, which causes damage along the canal and requires pedestrian and bicycle detours, the release said.

Park officials will host an open house Monday, July 23, at their headquarters at 1850 Dual Highway to gather public input on the project.

The open house will give residents a chance to learn more about the project, and they also will be able to offer ideas, concerns and potential topics for consideration as the National Park Service works on the project, the release said.

The park is accepting public comments through Friday, Aug. 10. Besides offering input at the open house, residents may submit comments online through the Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/choh.

Comments also may be mailed to Kevin Brandt, Superintendent, C&O Canal National Historical Park, ATTN: McMahon's Mill Towpath Improvements, 1850 Dual Highway, Suite 100, Hagerstown, MD 21740.

After analysis of the comments, the park service will prepare an environmental assessment for the project, which will be made available for a 30-day public-review period.

Source: Herald-Mail Media
https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/local/c-o-canal-proposes-towpath-rehabilitation-between-mcmahon-s-mill/article_272555ea-8626-11e8-a85b-6fd37f9b6c9a.html