LHVA is pleased to announce that it was awarded grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the National Park Service to conduct the “Lackawanna Greenway Plan, Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (LRHT) Feasibility Study, and CNJ Trail Extension Master Site Plan.”
As the first step in this exciting project, LHVA has begun the process of selecting a consultant. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on February 13, 2009, and the announcement of the RFP was sent to more than 50 planning, engineering, and landscape design firms. A mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested firms was held on February 25, attracting a variety of firm representatives who expressed interest in the project. All proposals were submitted on March 4, 2009. LHVA will select and engage a firm to begin work on the project by early April.
The Lackawanna Greenway is a system of interconnected trails, parks, and open spaces along the Lackawanna River. The primary trail in the Greenway is the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (LRHT), a multi-use recreational trail that closely follows the river for forty miles from Forest City to the confluence of the Lackawanna and Susquehanna Rivers at Duryea and Pittston.
The Lackawanna Greenway Plan and LRHT Feasibility Study will accomplish the following:
- A comprehensive assessment of the Lackawanna Greenway.
- A feasibility study for each section of the LRHT, including improved sections, those currently under development, and the undeveloped sections.
- Determination of the trail route for each undeveloped section of the LRHT.
- A Master Site Plan for the Scranton CNJ Trail Extension with biddable construction document package.
- Identification of potential or existing spur trails in the Lackawanna Greenway.
- Development of a concept plan for the Lackawanna Greenway and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.
- A clear and achievable action plan for the immediate implementation of the study’s recommendations.
- An extensive public participation campaign.