September 11 National Memorial Trail project receives grants from Appalachian Regional Commission

(Originally Published in the Altoona, PA Mirror, July 1st, 2025)

The September 11 National Memorial Trail project and an industrial expansion in Huntingdon County received major grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission, totaling more than $3.7 million, according to a news release from the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission.

These investments will advance job creation, tourism and long-term economic vitality throughout the Southern Alleghenies region.

The Riverview Business Center Expansion Access Project in Huntingdon County will receive $2.8 million in Local Access Road funds for the Riverview Business Center Expansion Access Project to the Huntingdon County Business and Industry Inc. The funds will be used to make essential roadway and infrastructure improvements along Lenape Drive, including installation of a traffic signal and construction of two 250-foot turning lanes.

These upgrades will enhance traffic safety, accommodate the expansion of businesses at the park and support the creation of up to 250 new jobs.

“This project has been years in the making,” said Debra Clark, president of HCBI.

The SAP&DC secured more than $3.7 million in ARC funding improvements that directly benefit current tenants and open the door for future development. HCBI is currently in talks with three business prospects and has four shovel-ready parcels and 45 additional acres available for growth.

“This is great news for Huntingdon County. As business expands, the highway access improvements will support the safe and efficient flow of traffic to the business park, while also helping to reduce congestion along Route 522,” said Huntingdon County Commissioner Scott Walls. “It’s encouraging to see more businesses choosing to locate and grow here. We remain committed to finding new ways to make Huntingdon County an attractive place for economic development.”

The other project is the September 11 National Memorial Trail — Garrett Area Improvements Project in Somerset County.

ARC has awarded $930,319 for the development of 1,500 linear feet of new trail that will connect the 9/11 National Memorial Trail to the Great Allegheny Passage Trail in the Garrett area.

This long-anticipated project will attract 2,100 additional visitors annually, support three new local businesses and expand Garrett’s role in the regional trail economy.

SAP&DC facilitated the grant application and played a critical role in advancing this priority from concept to reality, as outlined in the 2024 Alleghenies Outdoors report and a recent DCNR-funded trail alignment study.

“The September 11 National Memorial Trail Alliance is excited to work in collaboration with Somerset County to develop the 911 Trail,” said Jeffrey McCauley, President of the September 11 National Memorial Trail Alliance. “This ARC grant award is a great example of how the Alliance and the County can collaborate to achieve large goals.”

“These two projects are significant,” said Lee Slusser, Director, Planning and Community Development Division. Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission. “A new signalized entrance will help Riverview Business Center businesses create up to 250 new jobs. Meanwhile, the 9/11 Trail project will draw new tourism spending across every community it touches.”