The Great Allegheny Passage, which runs through six communities in Southwestern Pennsylvania, including Connellsville, has increased interest in the region. A combination of providing amenities to trail users and implementing a regional preservation plan that preserves individual town character could improve both the quality of life and spur economic development along the trail.

On Monday, about 25 Connellsville and Ohiopyle residents met at Connellsville’s Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for information on a draft Preservation Plan for West Newton, Connellsville, Ohiopyle, Confluence, Rockwood and Meyersdale.

The 86-page draft is called “Progress Through Preservation: A Guide for Preservation and Economic Development in Trail Towns Along the Great Allegheny Passage.” The final copy should be complete late this month.

Preservation Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Trail Town Program have been working on a plan since March.

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