Akron, Ohio (June 9, 2025) — Governor DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation announced this week that nearly $52 million in grants will be awarded over the next four years to improve safety for bicycle and pedestrian traffic through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). The City of Dover ($2,150,000), City of New Philadelphia ($2,172,780), and Tuscarawas County Government ($640,000) all received generous grants in partnership with the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition to add an additional 7 miles of trail, ensuring the completion of the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail currently spans over 90 contiguous miles across four counties from Cleveland to Zoarville, and closely follows the route of the historic Ohio & Erie Canal where possible. Along the trail are visitor centers and cultural, natural and recreational resources being preserved and celebrated within the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area.

“We are extremely grateful to Governor DeWine, Ohio Department of Transportation, State Senator Al Landis, and State Representative Jodi Salvo for their incredible support for the Ohio & Erie Canalway and Towpath Trail,” noted Dan Rice, President and CEO of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. “Special thanks to City of New Philadelphia Mayor Joel Day, City of Dover Mayor Shane Gunnoe, Tuscarawas County Commissioner Kristin Zemis, County Commissioner Greg Ress, Commissioner Mitch Pace and Tuscarawas County Park Department Director Jesse Rothacher for their relentless perseverance and commitment. Working together, we are creating a legacy for future generations to experience and enjoy the great resource that is the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area and Towpath Trail.”

City of Dover Mayor Shane Gunnoe stated, “The City of Dover is grateful to the State of Ohio and Ohio Department of Transportation for the grant funding award announcement. These funds will help improve pedestrian and bicycle access within our city, complete the section of the Towpath Trail from Dover’s Canal Park to the New Philadelphia Waterworks Park, and bring significant improvements to the riverfront and other city streets. We look forward to working with ODOT over the next several years to bring these community improvements to reality in the City of Dover.” 

City of New Philadelphia Mayor Joel Day noted, "This milestone reflects the determination and collaboration of New Philadelphia, Dover, Tuscarawas County, and the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition in securing funding and promoting the Towpath Trail’s potential to enhance our region’s economy, health, and overall quality of life. Once finished, the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail will allow hikers and cyclists to journey all the way from Cleveland to its southern endpoint at Waterworks Park. We envision developing a trailhead near the boat ramp and eventually provide bike, canoe, and kayak rentals at that location.”

"The Transportation Alternatives Program makes vital investments to support safer, more connected spaces for walking and biking,” said Governor DeWine. “This program helps improve quality of life, enhance public safety, and build sustainable transportation networks that make our cities and towns stronger and more vibrant." ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn noted, “Biking and walking are great modes of transportation that are not only fun, but foster connections, support local economies, and contribute to a healthier lifestyle. We are proud to do our part to support active transportation in Ohio.”

For more information on the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail development, contact Dan Rice at (330) 374-5657 or drice@ohioeriecanal.org.