Blair County commissioners hold public hearing on proposed trail authority

Blair County commissioners convened a public hearing this spring to accept written and oral comment on a proposed ordinance to create the Blair County Trail Authority, a new entity county officials say would coordinate trail planning countywide and open additional grant opportunities without drawing on the general fund.

County Solicitor Chris Fuhrman opened the hearing by describing the process and marking published advertisements and the proposed ordinance as exhibits. "This is the purpose of today's hearing is to take public comment, get your information, get your comments on the record," Fuhrman told attendees.

Commissioners said the authority is intended to centralize planning and pursue grants. Commissioner 1, speaking for the panel, said public turnout at earlier meetings and requests from neighboring counties drove the idea: "Every little township and community is doing parts with their trails, but there's no coordination, there's no single point of contact." Commissioner 1 added the authority could increase grant opportunities and bring economic benefits to the county.

A second commissioner (Commissioner 2) said…