The West Creek Recreational Trail Association, Inc. (WCRTA) was established in 2003 for the purpose of developing the 19 mile abandoned rail corridor between Emporium and St. Marys into a year-round, multi-use recreational trail. The WCRTA acquired the corridor in 2008 and since that time undertook an extensive planning process while also obtaining funding to start construction of the trail. Volunteers recently completed the construction of a deck and railing system on the "Black Bridge" into Emporium. In November 2013, the WCRTA awarded the contract for the construction of the first 5.5 miles of the trail, starting at the east end of Emporium and ending at Howard Siding. The contract includes a compacted, crushed gravel surface, trailhead/parking in Emporium, signage, and bollards at each crossing. Work is expected to be completed in the Spring 2014. The WCRTA is in the early stages of obtaining funding for the continued development of the trail