The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District has received $25,000 for the second phase of construction on the Paynes Creek Multi-Purpose Trail at the Hartwell Dam and Lake Project.
The money, which was received in partnership with the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, is from the Corps’ national Handshake Partnership Program.
The goal of the Handshake Partnership Program is to initiate new recreation and natural resources management opportunities and enhance existing ones. The effort encourages community engagement and promotes mutually beneficial activities between the Corps and partner organizations.
The program allows the Corps’ national headquarters to provide seed money for proposed projects at Corps locations throughout the nation. Handshake application packages are judged annually based on sustainability, partnership value, environmental stewardship value, communication and education value, recreational benefit and innovativeness.
The program, which began in 2004, also allows the Corps to accept materials and/or volunteer services from partnering organizations to complete and maintain projects.
The 7.2-mile Paynes Creek Multi-Purpose Trail is at the Paynes Creek Camping area on the Tugaloo River arm of Hartwell Lake. The trail was completed in April using Handshake Partnership money awarded to the Corps and SORBA in fiscal year 2009. A team applied for money again this year in the hope of being able to add features to the trail.
“The trail has been well-received by the community and continues to get heavy use during peak recreation times,” said Chief Park Ranger Zach Harkness.
Courtesy Anderson Independent Mail