Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Project to Begin

January 4, 2010: The Community Foundation of Frederick County, Inc. (Community Foundation) and the Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund, Inc. (CAR Fund) announce that the National Park Service (NPS) has allocated the remaining funds necessary to begin the contracting phase of the rehabilitation of the Catoctin Aqueduct, located near Lander in Frederick County, Maryland.

The NPS, in partnership with Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund, Inc., and with funding from the Community Foundation’s C&O Canal Current Initiatives/Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund, has completed final design and environmental compliance for the restoration of the Catoctin Aqueduct. The Aqueduct, one of the 11 aqueducts of the 184.5 miles of the C&O Canal, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing resource in the C&O Canal Historic District. The C&O Canal is the most intact and impressive example of America’s 19th century canal building era. Catoctin Creek is the single national site where the two titans of period transportation, the C&O Canal and the B&O Railroad, struggled, fought, endured Asiatic Cholera, and finally compromised to cross in parallel a major tributary of the Potomac River; the Canal on the historic Catoctin Aqueduct and the railroad on the adjacent viaduct. The Catoctin Aqueduct was known as the most beautiful aqueduct on the Canal. On October 31, 1973, two of the three arches of the 139-year-old Aqueduct collapsed from frequent flooding.

“The project will restore the two missing arches and will replace missing handrail sections and bring the entire structure back to a condition that can be sure to stand for at least another 139 years,” said an ecstatic George Lewis, President of the CAR Fund.

“A groundswell of more than 1000 donors have supported this project that preserves a part of our local heritage and America’s history,” said Betsy Day, President of the Community Foundation. “While the Aqueduct is located in Frederick County, it was amazing and gratifying to see that this project has garnered attention and contributions from across the country.”

In addition, the NPS has added important elements to the project including access improvements at Lander to facilitate the work and stabilization of the wing walls that protect the aqueduct from flooding on Catoctin Creek. Moreover, the project includes the removal of both the World War II era-style Bailey bridge that has served as passage across the creek for the last 35 years as well as the remnants of the failed footbridge erected in the in 1970’s after the Aqueduct collapsed. The project will also accomplish restoration of the stream bank and adjacent areas when construction is completed.

“It is thrilling to see this project proceed,” C&O Canal National Historical Park Superintendent Kevin Brandt stated. “I’m elated for our partners and those in this community who have cared enough to lead the charge to see this project to this point of success. I know that present and future generations of park visitors will not only enjoy the safe passage across the restored Aqueduct but marvel at the history that will be beneath their feet.”

This project is being made possible through a partnership with the National Park Service along with funds raised by Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund, Inc. and The Community Foundation of Frederick County. Additional funding came from individuals, families, corporations, the C&O Canal Association, Tourism Reinvestment in Promotion and Product Program Development grants from the Tourism Council of Frederick County, Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, a State of Maryland Bond Bill, and funds received through the Maryland State Highway Administration’s Transportation Enhancement Program. The Catoctin Aqueduct Adopt-A-Stone Program also raised money for this important project.

Together, these funds will now allow the Catoctin Aqueduct construction project to begin. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2010 with an anticipated completion targeted for summer 2011.

Those interested in obtaining detailed information about the project can find more information at www.catoctinaqueduct.org or email lewisdvm@aol.com.