East Bradford Township Gains Community Support for the
3^rd Phase of the East Branch Brandywine Trail

Since 2000, East Bradford Township has been a leader in open space preservation and trail development.  In the past few years, East Bradford (along with West Bradford) has successfully completed approximately 2.4 miles of the multi-use East Branch Brandywine Trail.  Currently, this trail extends from the Trestle Bridge south of Downingtown to PA Route 322 / Downingtown Pike, just east of the Sugars Bridge Road intersection. 

View a map of the existing East Branch Brandywine Trail (click here)

The Township is now focusing on the 3^rd phase of the East Branch Brandywine Trail, which will connect the current terminus of the trail to the intersection of Skelp Level Road and PA Route 322 (where there is an existing parking area).  This segment is relatively short – roughly 750 feet in length.  Like the prior phases, this segment will be approximately 10 feet wide and will have an ADA-accessible paved surface.                                                                     

When completed, the 3^rd phase of the East Branch Brandywine Trail will provide several immediate benefits:

-         It will provide an additional parking area to serve the trail.

-         For users traveling south on the trail, this extension will provide full turning motions onto PA Route 322.

-         It will provide an additional off-road option for cyclists traveling on PA Route 322 (PA Bike Route L).

-         It will provide more opportunities for physical activity.

In addition to short term benefits, it is important to understand that this project will be part of a much larger multi-municipal trail network.  The East Branch Brandywine Trail is located within the Brandywine-Struble Regional Recreation Corridor.  This corridor extends north-to-south though the entire County; it includes the County Struble Trail and bisects the Chester Valley Trail.  When these conceptual regional connections are someday fully implemented, connections between Philadelphia, Norristown, King of Prussia, Downingtown, and West Chester will exist .

Learn more about the project (click here)

East Bradford Township strives to supplement its capital reserve fund (the fund used for these types of improvements) by leveraging grant funding.  This supplemental funding is critical.   By way of example, the prior two phases of the East Branch Brandywine Trial cost approximately $2 M (engineering and construction).  East and West Bradford Townships leveraged approximately 92% of the total cost (about $1.76 M) from other agencies (primarily, Federal, State, and County governments).  With each year, public funding opportunities become more limited and more competitive.  These days, public funders are placing great emphasis on building partnerships with community stakeholders.  So, to better the Township’s ability to leverage public dollars, the Township is reaching out to community organizations, corporations, and area residents for support. 

Meet our supporters! (click here)

How You Can Help Support the Project

1.   Consider your commitment to the East Branch Brandywine project and your ability to contribute funding in 2012-2013.  In appreciation of constructions, East Bradford will provide the appropriate benefit listed in the Schedule of Contribution Benefits.

2.   Submit a letter of funding commitment, listing any contingencies, to the Township (click here for a template letter of support).  East Bradford will not request the dollars committed until the bid for trail construction has been awarded (this is likely to occur in early 2013).  

However, if it is easier for you to furnish your donation now, you may send a check (payable to East Bradford Township) and we will deposit the check in the fund allocated for this project.  Please include a cover letter with your check indicating that the funds should be used for the trail project and be sure to include your contact information (name, address, phone, etc).

Contributions are tax deductable in the year the funds are received. 

 (If possible, forward your letter by February 17, 2012.  If this deadline is not feasible, forward the letter as soon as your schedule allows – this date is driven by the County’s grant deadline.)

Forward letters and/or checks to:

East Bradford Township
Attn: Mandie Cantlin, Assistant Township Manager
666 Copeland School Road
West Chester, PA 19380
610-436-5108
Via fax: 610-436-8652
Via email: mcantlin@eastbradford.org

The Township will provide periodic updates of the engineering and bidding process as the project goes forward so you can plan your contribution accordingly.