Local Officials Attend Anacostia River Trail Ribbon Cutting

BLADENSBURG, Md. - Bicycles zoom by. Birds perch on logs. And D.C. Mayor Vince Gray talks about the future.

"Can you imagine the day when people routinely walk up to the banks of the Anacostia and are able to jump in and swim and be able to fish," says Gray.

The Mayor says it's a little easier to imagine today. He joined Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, local leaders and members of the President's cabinet to cut the ribbon on the latest stretch of the Anacostia River Trail.

Moments after they cut the ribbon in a Bladensburg Park, cyclists were already winding their way through boardwalk-like bridges along towering trees.

"People will be able to really enjoy the outdoors and to walk and to bike and appreciate what we have here in our community. Neighbors will get to know each other as a result of what we're doing here," says Maryland Senator Ben Cardin.

The stretch of the trail that opens today is one and a half miles. It's the piece that connects D.C. and Maryland. If someday the entire trail is completed, and that's a big if, it would stretch over 60 miles.

Maryland resident Oz Barsi got a bike for his 50th birthday.

"My grandaughter lives in the District and I like to bike in there. I have a favorite coffee shop in the district that I like to bike into. Right now, I have to go on streets," says Barsi.

But it is not just convenience. Federal, state and local leaders have committed time and money to making the trail a reality because they believe it is a good use of money. They say it keep pollutants out the water, keeps cars off the road and makes residents healthier.

"We hear a lot of talk about debt and deficit and about how we're really using our money. This is one of the best uses of hard earned taxpayer dollars and don't let anybody tell you differently," said Secretary of Transporation Ray LaHood.