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Trails vital as healthcare costs soar

December 15, 2017

Healthcare costs continue to soar. Many local companies are struggling with annual increases in the cost of insurance in the 15- to 20-percent range.

Those increases are not sustainable. High deductible plans to insure against catastrophic illnesses have become the norm, but deductibles alone are making it unaffordable to be sick.

To stay away from deductibles, we have to stay healthy. Most of the money spent on healthcare relates to problems arising from lifestyle choices. One choice contributing to good health is spending time outdoors. Those of all ages who get outside are naturally more active and less prone to problems related to weight.

Those living in Sussex have access to many affordable and public outdoor opportunities including impressive trails for cycling, running and walking. They improve our quality of life and encourage more people to get outdoors. They also offer another reason for companies to move here that want desirable amenities for employees.

The Lewes to Georgetown trail, in progress along the railroad right-of-way, will eventually extend from middle Sussex to Cape Henlopen State Park. It will be the centerpiece of the county's evolving trail system.

As noted in the new, draft comprehensive land use plan for Sussex, the trail's anticipated completed length of 18 miles will make it the state's longest.

It will provide close connections between more than 15 communities – representing thousands of homes – along its alignment, and a safer, healthier and more pleasant way to visit friends and neighbors.

The state's decision to close the railroad between Lewes and Cool Spring, because of the unsafe canal railroad bridge, will save millions in trail construction costs. Dual surfaces won't be required as in the original rail-with-trail plan.

That means more of the trail can be built sooner, starting in 2018, including a safe underpass crossing of Route 1 at Nassau. That's good news to celebrate as 2017 draws to a close.

  • Editorials are considered and written by Cape Gazette Editorial Board members, including Publisher Chris Rausch, Editor Jen Ellingsworth, News Editor Nick Roth and reporters Ron MacArthur and Chris Flood. 

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