The inauguration will mark the 'Coming of Age' of the ECG vision, launched 10 years ago. There is now sufficient critical mass so that the ECG is ready to "go public". Not only is the 2600 mile trail linking Maine and Florida 20% complete, with another 30% in various stages of development, planning & construction, but we anticipate that a continuous on- and off-road route will be detailed for all 16 states by December 2003 so that users can travel from end to end. Our push then becomes to fill in the missing off-road gaps. We can best accomplish that by increasing public awareness, cementing strong government support and increase funding sources for constituent local trails. Inaugurating the East Coast Greenway aims to do that.

Taking the message to Washington, DC - In advance of our Inaugural Event in Washington on June 5th, support letters will be gathered from Mayors, Governors and other local supporters, to be delivered to the event by cyclists & walkers going to DC from Florida and Maine. En route, we will generate media opportunities for local politicians as the riders & walkers pass through and are presented letters and other tokens for transport to Washington. This human-powered conveyance will commence in May and arrive at the event site on the National Mall on June 5th.

Thursday, June 5, 2003, 11:30 - The ECG Inauguration on the National Mall (3rd St.) - This will be a media-focused gathering of national governmental officials, national partner organizations, and the local trails community to show support for the ECG by helping to inaugurate it. A plaque will be unveiled for placement along the route in DC and our new trail markers will be highlighted. We are inviting the President, key cabinet officials, Senators and Congressmen along our route and our many partners to attend. The event sponsors include the ECGA, the American Hiking Society and the National Park Service. This will be the premier national event for National Trails Day, this year celebrating "Healthy Trails, Healthy People". A number of health and trails related agreements will be announced.

Saturday, June 7, 2003 - National Trails Day (NTD) It is anticipated that there will be one 'showcase' event highlighting a local trail project in each state along the ECG corridor. Congress members, back in their states from the event in Washington, will be thanked for their support for transportation funding for local trail projects. They would convey the messages from the federal government as well as the message that the entire ECG has been inaugurated. One new ECG trail marker, signed by the President (we hope), would be carried back to each state for installation, display or use in the NTD event.