HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- The National Park Service is soliciting public comments on a proposed extension of the Western Maryland Rail Trail to Paw Paw, W.Va.

The agency said Wednesday it will hold public meetings May 16 in Hancock and May 17 in Paw Paw on an environmental assessment of the project.

The park service says its preferred alternative would involve 8.1 miles of paved trail construction in two segments.

Trail users wishing to hike or bike to Paw Paw from the current terminus in Pearre would have to use the Chesapeake and Ohio National Historical Park towpath as a connector between the two proposed new sections.

The project would extend what is now a 22-mile, paved, hiking-and-biking path between Big Pool and Pearre.

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