New Collier path to connect with Panhandle Trail
State Sen. Matt Smith, who represents southern and western parts of Allegheny County and Peters Township in Washington County, announced $250,000 from state taxpayers will go toward the construction of a trail in Collier Township.
The township was awarded $169,711 from the Department of Community and Economic Development through its Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program and $80,289 from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program. The total Collier Discovery Path project is slated to cost $502,846, with the township funding the balance through recreation funds, volunteer labor and in-kind donations.
The trail will connect with the existing Panhandle Trail network, part of which runs through northern Washington County.
Eventually, the 2.1 mile-Collier Discovery Path will connect with the Neville’s Wood Trail, as well as Settler’s Ridge Park and the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. It will begin at Thoms Run Road near the intersection with Route 50 and wind through township-owned land before ending at Hilltop Park.
Construction of the trail is expected to begin in late 2014 or early 2015.