Catoctin Aqueduct Notes (CA Notes) April 2010

· Eureka -- the model for the Troubled Bridge Over Water (the humorously accurate name the C&O Canal NHP Bike Patrol gave to the Catoctin Aqueduct replica they built for the 2007 annual Hancock Barge Bash) is about to get fixed – and if all goes well – it will emerge in a year or so to reclaim its historic moniker as The Most Beautiful Aqueduct on the Line; and then yes, one more breach in the historic towpath will have been closed.

· Yes, the National Park Service / C&O Canal National Historical Park, has announced the awarded of a $3.93 Million contract for the restoration of the Catoctin Aqueduct; awarded to Corman Construction of Annapolis Junction, Maryland. The restoration will begin this summer and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2011.

· Thousands of generous little donors, many generous large donors, unbelievable grass roots support, buckets of sweat, outstanding volunteer efforts, extraordinary trust in each other, lots of integrity, many uniformed park stewards, the strong backing of local, state and national elected officials, and a last minute project enabling insertion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds have gotten us to this mile post – Thank You One and All.

· So, now is the time to put on your party hat & hiking shoes, and join the C&O Canal NHP orchestrated Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Groundbreaking on Saturday April 24, 2010 at the 51.5 mile mark of the C&O Canal. It’s a really big deal.

· Cut, paste and go to http://chohpublic.net/cato/default.aspx and to http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=MSTXJWNWRJXSAKHAWCJW&li=iq&src=email&trk=aei6 for the details of where to park, how to catch the shuttle, the agenda, and the list of activities – and don’t forget to RSVP to let the park planners so they know to expect you. Arrivals by foot, bike, canoe, and kayak are encouraged; however, please don’t attempt to park in the area of Lander Road – unless you hold a VIP parking pass for this event.

· FYI, stones are still available for adoption – go to the Catoctin Aqueduct Adopt a Stone page at http://catoctinaqueduct.org/adoptastone.htm .