🚀 go-pugleaf

The following Arlington County news release omits the project's
construction cost of approximately $7 million, roughly half of which
is for new a sewer line that will lie beneath part of this new trail.
It also fails to report that it took Arlington County about a decade
to advance this trail project from being fully designed and funded to
an awarded construction contract.

Allen Muchnick
Arlington VA

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[ http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Communications/PressReleases/58462.aspx
]

For Immediate Release
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Contact: Myllisa Lardieri Kennedy 703-228-3152 (voice)

Arlington Kicks Off Work on New Four Mile Run Trail

Recognized nationally as a bicycle friendly community

ARLINGTON, Va.--Today, Congressman Jim Moran, Arlington County and the
City of Alexandria marked the beginning of construction of a multi-use
trail linking the popular Washington & Old Dominion and Four Mile Run
trails with an official groundbreaking at the site of the future path.
The planned route will eliminate nearly a mile of on-street riding and
difficult road crossings, offering a safer, more direct path along
Four Mile Run for walkers, runners and cyclists.

"The new Four Mile Run trail connection will offer bike commuters a
quicker, safer route. It provides those riding for recreation with
more trail options.  Bicycle commuting takes cars off the road, which
reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions," said Arlington County Board
Chairman Paul Ferguson. "It is also a great way to get exercise."

An Arlington and Alexandria Connection

The mostly flat route will run between Arlington and the City of
Alexandria, featuring a convenient path under Shirley Highway (I-395)
and West Glebe Road. With 3,000 feet of new trail, the connection will
complete the 17-mile "Arlington Loop" of trails and offer access to
the area's lively business and commercial districts, including direct
links to Shirlington and the Potomac Yard South tract, as well as
connections to Crystal City, Pentagon City, Old Town Alexandria,
Columbia Pike and even Ballston.

Furthermore, plans for the new trail were instrumental in the League
of American Bicyclists' decision to recognize Arlington County as a
Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community.

"The new Four Mile Run Trail is representative of Arlington's
innovative approach to expanding the regional transportation options
and enhancing residents' quality of life," noted Andy Clarke,
executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, as he
presented Arlington with the Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community
Award. "Difficult to earn and important to renew, this designation
recognizes Arlington's exemplary efforts to promote bicycling
throughout the County and beyond," said Clarke.

Through BikeArlington, the County works to create a more bicycle-
friendly community and encourages recreational and commuter cycling as
a viable alternative to getting around. In fact, 3 percent of all
trips in Arlington are made by bicycle thanks to over 36 miles of
trails, 24 miles of bike lanes and 43 miles of signed bike routes--
astounding given Arlington's compact size.

Project Background

Designed and funded by Arlington County, the Four Mile Run Trail
project will also support a number of ongoing local and regional
initiatives, such as achieving a major goal of the Four Mile Run
Restoration Master Plan and enhancing the surrounding Four Mile Run
recreational area with landscaping of the stream bank. Additionally,
nearly 1,600 feet of 48-inch sanitary sewer main will be installed as
part of the project, substantially increasing capacity, improving
management of weather-related events and preventing sewer back-ups.
Construction is expected to be completed by March 2009.

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Arlington, Va., is a world-class urban community that was originally
part of the "10-mile square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the
Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing
county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square
miles. Known for its urban villages and transit-oriented development,
Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality
schools and enlightened land use. In 2002, the county was the first
recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for
"Smart Growth." Home to some of the most influential organizations in
the world--including the Pentagon--Arlington stands out as one of
America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.