Range Resources to Build Rail Trail in Washington County, PA

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Range Resources just gave Washington County, PA a check for $918,000 as a signing bonus which grants them the right to drill horizontally underneath the fairgrounds and health center in Arden. Range is also going to build a 3 1/2 mile rail trail in Cross Creek County Park for walkers, joggers and bikers:

Washington County commissioners are expected today to modify their lease with Range Resources to reflect the Marcellus Shale drilling firm’s willingness to develop a 3 1/2-mile trail in Cross Creek County Park.

The trail would be used by walkers, joggers, bicyclists and horseback riders.

Solicitor J. Lynn DeHaven said Range would be getting a $260,000 credit for the trail work on money it is paying the county, but the county, in return, would be receiving $740,000 in value.

"If we were to do the trail, it would cost more than $1 million. That is what planning tells me," DeHaven said of the estimate he received from the Washington County Planning Department.

Commission Chairman Larry Maggi said, "Drilling is going to be pretty well hidden from the public’s view. It has taken years for the county to develop the Panhandle Trail," a former railroad right of way. The trail in Cross Creek park "will take a fraction of the time," said Maggi.*

*Washington (PA) Observer-Reporter (Apr 5, 2012) – Range to develop county park trail