What can you find in this section about the Trail? Trail hours, facilities, safety and etiquette a detailed map of the trail (surface conditions, length, and status) photo history of Hipp Station a virtual tour picture essay by Holmes County naturalist David Kline more photos of Holmes County Trail users Rails to Trails Coalition Rail-Trails and Liability

Trail Receives Federal Grant to Aid Development: US Representatives Ralph Regula (Navarre- Republican) and Robert W. Ney (St. Clairsville- Republican) announced congressional approval of $520,000 for the Holmes County Rails to Trails project in a press release issued May 12, 2003. The funding comes from the Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot Program, which help communities develop more efficient transportation systems and reduce their impacts on the environment. The Holmes County Trail was selected since it will serve as an alternate transportation route for Amish currently traveling on State Route 83 in Holmes County.  The $520,000 will be supplemented by state, local, and private funds, with construction anticipated to start in early spring 2004.

“Trails like this provide tremendous opportunities for people, both in terms of recreation and economic development,” said Regula, who serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. “This project will be a tremendous resource for our region, and I’m pleased my colleagues in the Congress recognized the importance of moving forward with it, “ stated Ney, recognizing Regula’s role in acquiring these funds for the Trail.  Joan Simcak, executive director of the Holmes County Rails to Trails Coalition, noted that, “Trails are not just projects of “good will,” but are proven major resources promoting health, wellness, economics, transportation, education, recreation and the environment for communities.” 

Clean Ohio Trail Funds/ Ohio Department of Natural Resources Grant: The Holmes County Trail was selected as one of 24 community projects to receive a Clean Ohio Trails Fund grant during the first round of funding in September 2002. This $410,000 grant will be used to help construct the trail from Holmesville to Fredericksburg. This 10.1-mile section will feature a paved trail for pedestrians and cyclists adjacent to a crushed limestone trail for buggies and horseback riders. 

The Clean Ohio Program was initiated by Governor Bob Taft and approved by Ohio voters in November 2000. These funds are designed to increase the opportunities for outdoor recreation, including more trails linking existing parks with historic and cultural site and other public facilities. Each grant requires a minimum 25% match with local funds

TEA-21 / Ohio Department of Transportation Grant:
The Holmes County Rails to Trails Coalition is also the recipient of a $1.8 million grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation, using funds allocated by the United States Department of Transportation. These funds will also be dedicated toward costs of constructing the trail from Millersburg to Fredericksburg. 

The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, enacted by Congress in June 1998, authorizes the Federal surface transportation programs for highways, highway safety, and transit for the 6-year period 1998-2003.  The U.S. Department of Transportation is responsible for allocating these funds to each state. The Holmes County Trail project was selected for funding since it will serve as an alternate transportation corridor for local Amish. This will enhance highway safety in Holmes County by separating slower-moving vehicles (e.g. horse-drawn buggies at 5-10 mph) from motor vehicles traveling at speeds of 50-55 mph.  This grant requires a minimum 20% match with local funds. 

Amish Buggy Safety Fund / Ohio Department of Transportation Grant:
The Holmes County Trail received a $451,000 Amish Buggy Safety grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation. This grant will be used for engineering costs associated with construction of the trail from Millersburg to Fredericksburg. 

After extensive study in 1999-2000, the Ohio Department of Transportation Funds Management Committee established a special fund of $1 million per year to improve Amish buggy safety on Ohio roadways. These funds are designed to support roadway improvements that will result in greater safety for horse-drawn vehicles.