Washington County Conservation can now make more progress on a project to pave the Kewash Nature Trail from west of Willow Pond to the Crooked Creek Bridge.

Executive Director Zach Rozmus recently informed the board that two federal environmental impact studies have both been approved after months of delays, bringing them one step closer to getting the project completed before winter 2021, “I can say without a doubt, with the concrete side of this, we’re going to increase accessibility all year round, there’s not going to be fluctuating trail conditions that are associated with the current trail that’s in place. It’s also going to increase accessibility to the Crooked Creek Bridge, which is a historic site in Washington County. So, whether it’s on a bike or younger kids, or people who are confined to alternate means of mobility, this is going to allow them access to that area where currently it can be difficult depending on the time of year and the trail conditions.”

Rozmus says the trail paving project has been aided by a transportation alternative program (TAP) grant of about $317,000. He says they’re on target to open the project for bids in June and he’s received inquiries from several interested contractors.