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Join our effort to complete the 2,900-mile urban Appalachian Trail connecting 45 million people from Florida to Maine. Help overcome health, transportation, and climate challenges through safe and accessible greenways. Support the East Coast Greenway Alliance in building a sustainable, bike-friendly environment. Become a part of the movement for a healthier and more connected East Coast!
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The East Coast Greenway: Moving Forward in GA, SC & Beyond October 19, 2012 Augusta, GA
East Coast Greenway (ECG) Vision • 2,900-mile urban Appalachian Trail • Connecting 45 million people in communities from Key West, Florida to Calais, Maine • Route designed for recreation & commuting • Every mile to be safe & accessible to all – over a quarter of our greenway (800 miles) already meets that standard
Our Team • The East Coast Greenway Alliance, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in the early 1990s leads the project • We have 5 people on staff in RI, PA, NC, & FL • Relies on a growing support network of 18,000 volunteers & members • Support from REI, Tom’s of Maine, Cabot Cheese, & others
A Solution to Our Key Challenges • Rising health costs • High transportation costs • Climate disruption & urban pollution • High unemployment
GA/SC Route Status • Over 45 miles of greenway • Moved our HQ to the South to develop our regional base • More than 10% of GA/SC population lives within ECG counties
Key Highlights: • Connecting important destinations like Savannah & Charleston • Pawley’s Island, Beaufort & Bluffton • Woodbine and Saint Mary’s
GA/SC ECG Heroes To-Date • Myron & Cathy Skottof Alpharetta (biked our route 2004 & 2012) • Jo Hicksonof Coastal Georgia Greenway • Terry Landrethof the Camden Bicycle Center • VonieGilreathof Charleston on our Trail Council • Jack Walker of Myrtle Beach
Challenges: Cultural & Political • Network of Safe Routes • Still marginal • Change seen as a threat • Demographics • Real need to strengthen us to bike-partisan
What is the ECG Investment? • Design & Construction a $2 billion public investment (over $100 million in GA/SC) • Start with low-hanging fruit of full signage ($100k) & mobile app detailing directions & amenities (<$100k)
Progress in Last 20 Years • Full East Coast Greenway developed • Biking and walking trips have more than tripled to 12% of US trips • With our population density, the Eastern Seaboard can lead the nation
Investment Well Worth It • A $100 million investment can tap into over $100 million in annual health, fuel, and congestion savings • We need to act today!
Goal for 2013 • Raise $50,000 to hire a South Atlantic Coordinator & grow our volunteer base regionally • We’re in touch with numerous partners in NC, but would love to team up with more friends and allies in SC and GA!
We Need You! • East Coast Greenway vision only possible with a strong team • We would love to work with you to fully sign the GA/SC route and add scores more miles of greenway in the years ahead
Thank You! Dennis Markatos-Soriano Executive Director dennis@greenway.org (919) 251-9784