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Jun 19, 2009

Desperately Seeking -- South Shore Trail

An unexpected trip to Gambrills prompts this poignant plea. Is there anyone, anywhere in cyberspace who knows when “they” (whoever “they” is) WILL FINISH THE SOUTH SHORE TRAIL?

Heck, I’d be thrilled just to see them START the South Shore Trail. But other than declarations of “it’s coming soon” on various websites (some several years old) there is no evidence SST is shovel (forgive the cliché) ready.

South Shore is one of the long forgotten segments of the Baltimore Annapolis interurban electric railway. Its cousin on the other side of the Severn, now known as the B&A Trail, has enjoyed great popularity since the Lighthizer years. Some short spurs of the connector, running through Piney Orchard, have been complete for several years and others are in some stage of construction or litigation (or both.) The South Shore line, running 13 miles between Odenton (aka BRAC-world) and Annapolis, connecting schools, ballfields, parks, fairgrounds and neighborhoods, has been languishing on the drawing boards forever, despite receiving federal (don't call it earmark) funding in a major transportation bill several years ago.

Sure, times are tough and $$$ for recreational amenities is tight, but why is the South Shore Line – a significant Washington-Annapolis-Baltimore link in the East Coast Greenway -- always the caboose in the budget process?

This wonderful connector is more than a linear park and recreational asset. It will also provide safe alternative transportation for those living, working, attending school, or participating in activities in this rapid growth corridor.

So if anyone out there sees shovels actually moving, please let me know.

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