News Release

National Park Service approves Georgetown Canal Plan

Date: February 26, 2020
Contact: Katie Liming, 202-619-7156

The National Park Service (NPS) has approved a plan to revitalize the  Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP) through Georgetown. The Georgetown Canal Plan was prepared in partnership with Georgetown Heritage with support from the District of Columbia and the Georgetown Business Improvement District.

The plan includes repair and rehabilitation projects that address much needed park infrastructure improvements and improve preservation along a one-mile section of the C&O Canal NHP. The plan also offers actions to improve safety and enhance the experience for park visitors and neighbors.

The approved plan allows the NPS and project partners to implement design concepts that include:

• Towpath stabilization, rehabilitation, and selective widening where appropriate.
• Improved canal and towpath access and accessibility.
• Increased interpretive and educational opportunities.
• More welcoming and usable open spaces.

Implementation is anticipated to be multi-phased as funding becomes available. The NPS along with its project partners are committed to ongoing stakeholder engagement to ensure appropriate implementation of the Georgetown Canal Plan. Stakeholder input will continue to be considered during final design and implementation of the Georgetown Canal Plan.

As implementation of the plan moves forward, the NPS will notify visitors and neighbors in advance of any construction activities that would result in temporary closures or detours within the park.  

A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Georgetown Canal Plan Environmental Assessment (EA) was signed on February 20, 2020 by the acting Director, Region 1 - National Capital Area. The FONSI and the EA are available online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GeorgetownCanalPlan.

For more information about Georgetown Heritage and the NPS’ shared vision to restore and revitalize the first mile of the Canal, visit www.georgetownheritage.org.