III 

112TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 294 

Commemorating the 182nd anniversary of the opening of the Chesapeake 

and Delaware Canal. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

OCTOBER 17, 2011 

Mr. COONS (for himself, Mr. CARPER, Ms. MIKULSKI, and Mr. CARDIN) 

submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to 

RESOLUTION 

Commemorating the 182nd anniversary of the opening of 

the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. 

Whereas on October 17, 1829, the Chesapeake and Delaware 

Canal became operational with the joint support of the 

Federal Government and the States of Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania; 

Whereas the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal has served the 

economy of the Chesapeake and Mid-Atlantic regions for 

182 years, first as a lock-system canal and in the 20th 

century, as a free-flowing waterway; 

Whereas the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Museum recognizes and celebrates the history of the Canal and the role 

of the Canal in the economic development of the United 

States from the early 19th century through the date of 

approval of this resolution; 


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•SRES 294 ATS 

Whereas the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal is 1 of only 2 

commercially viable sea level canals in the United States 

and is vital to the Ports of Wilmington, Baltimore, and 

Philadelphia, as well as the broader United States economy; 

Whereas the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal is 1 of the 

busiest working waterways in the world, with more than 

25,000 vessels passing though the Canal each year; 

Whereas the Philadelphia District of the Corps of Engineers 

has responsibly managed the Chesapeake and Delaware 

Canal since 1933, including regularly dredging the Canal, 

maintaining existing bridges and roadways, and managing maritime traffic; 

Whereas in 2005 and 2006, public workshops were held to 

solicit ideas and comments from local residents regarding 

potential recreational uses along the Chesapeake and 

Delaware Canal; 

Whereas in March 2006, the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal 

trail concept plan was completed by the working group 

recommending the creation of a recreational trail along 

both banks of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal to be 

used by walkers, joggers, cyclists, and equestrians; 

Whereas the Federal Government and the State of Delaware 

have worked together to provide funding to build the first 

phase of the recreational trail along the banks of the 

Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, with construction set to 

begin in the spring of 2012; 

Whereas the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal is surrounded 

by more than 7,500 acres of public land, creating a 

unique and safe environment for recreationists, families, 


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students, anglers, hunters, nature enthusiasts, and others 

to participate in outdoor activities; 

Whereas the recreational trail along the Chesapeake and 

Delaware Canal has the potential to provide a common 

link to communities across the States of Delaware and 

Maryland from Chesapeake City to Delaware City; 

Whereas plans for Phase I of the recreational trail call for 

9 miles of improved trail along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal from Delaware City to Summit Marina, Delaware, including the construction of parking areas and 

comfort stations; 

Whereas public participation has been an integral part of the 

development of the recreational trail along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and the plan enjoys broad 

support from local communities, stakeholder groups, and 

Federal and State officials; and 

Whereas construction of the trail will create jobs and bring 

economic activity to communities along the Chesapeake 

and Delaware Canal while encouraging health and 

wellness through outdoor engagement: Now, therefore, be 

it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) commemorates the 182nd anniversary of the 

3 opening of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal; 

4 (2) celebrates the history of the Chesapeake 

5 and Delaware Canal as a facilitator of trade and 

6 economic development in the Chesapeake and Mid7 Atlantic regions; 


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1 (3) honors the ongoing role that the Chesa2 peake and Delaware Canal plays in supporting com3 merce by linking the Delaware River and Chesa4 peake Bay to ports around the world; and 

5 (4) recognizes the potential for recreation on 

6 federally owned land along the banks of the Chesa7 peake and Delaware Canal to encourage job cre8 ation, outdoor engagement, wellness, and fitness. 

Æ 


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