FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Bedford Fulton Joint Recreation Authority Awarded $138,900 State Grant for TOPP Trail Tunnel Study
BREEZEWOOD, PA / WATERFALL,PA — The Bedford Fulton Joint Recreation Authority (BFJRA) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $138,900 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The funding, announced on behalf of Governor Josh Shapiro, is specifically designated to produce a master plan for rehabilitation of the two historic tunnels on The Old PA Pike (TOPP) trail in Bedford and Fulton Counties. This grant serves as a recognition of the Authority's outstanding recreation and conservation work and represents a vital investment in the region’s outdoor economy.
Restoring a Historic Connection
The TOPP Trail is a unique 8.5-mile segment of the former Pennsylvania Turnpike that was abandoned in 1968 and acquired by the BFJRA in 2018. A central feature of the trail is its two massive historic structures: the Sideling Hill Tunnel, which is approximately 1.25 miles long, and the Rays Hill Tunnel, spanning approximately 0.7 miles. Because these tunnels have sat idle for over half a century, they require significant rehabilitation to be safely enjoyed by the public. This project leverages the advantage of reusing existing infrastructure and preserving open space to create a premier recreational destination.
A Strategic Path to Rehabilitation
The current grant matches funds for Phase 1, which is funded by a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. In this initial phase, the BFJRA will conduct a professional engineering assessment to determine the current condition of the tunnels, evaluate them for ADA compliance, and identify safety hazards and "clean and green" features. A second phase, funded by the DCNR grant, will produce a master plan that will develop cost-feasible recommendations for rehabilitation, improve user access and safety, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the trail's surfaces and environment.
Recognition of Excellence
"Your DCNR grant award is a recognition of outstanding recreation and conservation work that should be shared with your community," stated Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the DCNR. Secretary Dunn expressed her wishes for success in implementing the project, noting its long-term contribution to the quality of life for many Commonwealth citizens.
Funding for this award (#BRC-PRD-30-295) is supported by a variety of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, and the Federal Recreational Trails Program.
About the Bedford Fulton Joint Recreation Authority: The Bedford Fulton Joint Recreation Authority (BFJRA) is a Pennsylvania Municipal Authority incorporated in 2018 by Bedford and Fulton Counties. The Authority is mandated to fund, operate, and manage the 8.5-mile segment of the former Pennsylvania Turnpike now known as The Old PA Pike Trail (TOPP Trail). Composed of members from both counties, the BFJRA works to encourage non-motorized outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and running, while partnering with state agencies to preserve this unique historic corridor as a sustainable economic and recreational tool for the region. More information can be found at www.theoldpapike.com.
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Media Contact: James Wehling, The Bedford Fulton Joint Recreation Authority, 200 S. Juliana St. Bedford, PA 15522; email: jim.wehling@bfjrauthoritypa.gov; Phone: 814-212-TOPP
For Questions Regarding DCNR Grants: Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Phone: 717-783-2658 Email: DCNR-Grants@pa.gov