Extension would connect Pennington to the 20-mile LHT
By John Tredrea, Staff Writer
Construction of an extension into Pennington of the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail (LHT) may be funded by $285,000 from the federal government, under legislation approved by the U.S. House of Representatives last week.
The legislation, the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, includes Rush Holt-secured funding for projects in Mercer County.
The Senate has not yet approved the bill, which President Barack Obama has indicated he will sign, Congressman Holt’s office said. Mr. Holt’s legislative district includes all of Hopewell Valley.
The extension would connect Pennington to the 20-mile LHT, which is for cyclists and pedestrians, near the Stony Brook. The trail is partially complete. The extension also would connect Pennington to the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association education center, off Titus Mill Road in Hopewell Township — about two miles east of the borough.
”Representative Holt has always been a strong advocate for the Lawrence- Hopewell Trail and we thank him for his support in securing money in the proposed 2009 Federal Budget for the Pennington Extension,” said Tom Ogren, Pennington Council member.
Borough Mayor Tony Persichilli added: “We have been working for several years to design and construct a trail extension from the Bristol-Myers Squibb section of the LHT into the borough along Pennington-Rocky Hill Road and have been grateful throughout the process to Bristol-Myers Squibb (B-MS); to our colleagues in Hopewell Township and to Becky Taylor and Eleanor Horne, co-chairs of the LHT task force, who work tirelessly on behalf of the trail.”
”Completion of a Pennington link would offer residents a green alternative for commuting to B-MS, traveling to the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed and ultimately gaining access to the entire 20-mile LHT,” said Borough Council member Eileen Heinzel.
”We are grateful to Congressman Rush Holt for his good work and fine efforts and hope to get support in the Senate and gain President Obama’s signature,” said Councilman Weed Tucker.
Mr. Holt, a Hopewell Township resident and neighbor of the LHT, said the appropriations bill also would help reduce crime and promote environmentally friendly technologies in Mercer County.
”With county and municipal budgets stretched thin during the current economic downturn, it is important that our state receives its fair share of tax dollars for thoroughly reviewed projects that bring jobs and improve the quality of life in Central New Jersey,” Rep. Holt said.
”I am pleased that this funding bill includes funding for programs I requested to reduce crime, promote green technologies and improve infrastructure.”
The LHT runs along the perimeter of B-MS’ Hopewell Township office-research campus. B-MS has been a major supporter of the trail since work began on it a number of years ago.

