The following email was sent by Tom Jolin. It is not a complete summary of the summit meeting, but it is an action plan for the future. Great work by Tom. Thank you for all of this community effort.
Hello Everyone,
I’ll soon be sending out a summary of the GHT Economic Summit held on Oct. 30. However I’m going to send out this idea now, which has been expressed by quite a few people. Clearly, folks are extremely busy, but I believe we have enough personnel resources to attempt a feasibility study from Gettysburg to Emmitsburg. So, what can we muster together here?
Facts:
1. GHT is good for our American moral fiber….. it is personally rewarding to history tourists, as they can get a birds eye view; one that respects the sanctity of our historic treasures.
2. This connection will generate a tremendous amount of economic impact to Adams, Emmitsburg and Hanover.
3. During the summit, Ben Thomas asked about the cost of study: Kelly Pack of Rails to Trails Conservancy will help us iron out an estimate. Let’s assume we want it to be an extremely
in depth study.
4. HABPI has volunteers that have offered to do leg work on this: Dennis Hickethier, Eric Myers, Brian Devost, Tammi Brush-Campbell, and me.
5. This would be a multi jurisdiction, county and state feasibility study. That might present a few structure problems, but it definitely is the approach with the most commonsense.
6. The GNMP is currently doing a multi-modal study, which includes bicycling. They should be totally involved with any Gettysburg to Emmitsburg Study, as it’s win-win for all. …. History preservation observations can be promoted in an extremely reverent, environmentally friendly, quiet, and birds eye view experience …. with a bicycle. Cumberland Township and any feasibility study would need to know of any potential connectivity from the GNMP Visitors Center heading towards Emmitsburg.
Potential Action:
1. Establish Gettysburg to Emmitsburg Feasibility Study committee. And let’s assume as the committee moves forward, that it can be expanded to include various other municipalities.
2. Converse between Kelly Pack, Cumberland Township, Emmitsburg, ACOPD and HABPI to get an idea of cost range, and where such monies could be found.
Something to remember: The GHT is a GOOD thing for our communities, county and country. Despite the extremely busy schedules, we can find a reasonable approach to get a handle on this. Everyone getting this email, daily demonstrates endless leadership, wisdom, vision and resourcefulness. Given that strength, we can be successful here.
Thanks…. I would appreciate your candid feedback.
Sincerely,
tom jolin