Published: January 22, 2008 11:04 pm      

Greenways network gets OK in Somerset County

SOMERSET — Destinations, parks and trails in Somerset and five surrounding counties are being linked in a regional plan approved Tuesday by the Somerset County Commissioners.

The Southern Alleghenies Greenways and Open Space Network Plan ties together natural and man-made resources in Somerset, Cambria, Blair, Bedford, Huntingdon and Fulton counties.

“It’s a vision for potential greenways and open-space projects in the region and Somerset County,” said Brad Zearfoss, director of the county’s planning commission.

The study will be incorporated into the county’s comprehensive plan, officials said.

Among its goals is to connect the resources of the six counties into a regional greenway network to conserve natural resources, expand recreation, celebrate cultural heritage and spur economic development.

Potential challenges include a disconnect between most of the open space, environmental concerns, marketing, and government regulations and funding.

While many of the areas in Somerset County already exist, such as state parks and forests, some new projects have been identified. Zearfoss pointed to the Allegheny Crossing, a series of greenways between Fulton and Somerset counties.

“There are some new projects that haven’t been proposed before,” he said. “The interesting part of this is there are some projects in the region that cross county borders.”

The plan is being spearheaded by the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission, with assistance from planning officials in the six counties.