Frederick, Maryland: August 31, 2005: The Community Foundation of Frederick County has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Carlson Family Foundation. The grant is the founding gift for the creation of The C&O Canal Current Initiatives/ Catoctin Aqueduct Fund, the newest fund at the Community Foundation to support projects specific to Frederick County’s portion of the 184½ mile C&O Canal. The grant money and additional contributions to this fund are earmarked specifically for the planning and design of a stabilization project, leading to the rebuilding and restoration of the Catoctin Aqueduct. 

The 134-foot Catoctin Aqueduct, located at milepost 51.5 and four miles south of Brunswick, is the fourth of eleven aqueducts built in the 1830s to carry the C&O Canal over major Potomac River tributaries. Because of the ravages of time and flooding from Hurricane Agnes in 1972 and other storms, the Catoctin Aqueduct, which spans Catoctin Creek, was partially destroyed and washed away on October 31, 1973. This caused a break in the continuity of the C&O Canal towpath, frequented by hikers, bikers, environmentalists, recreation seekers, nature enthusiasts, and historians. Since then, a metal bridge has served as a temporary means of crossing Catoctin Creek. 

“Obtaining this grant from the Carlson Family Foundation for the purposes of stabilizing the Catoctin Aqueduct is such a critical first step in securing additional funding to bring this project to fruition. The grant becomes the founding gift in establishing this new Community Foundation fund in support of the Catoctin Aqueduct, to which additional contributions are certainly welcomed. We are grateful to the Carlson Family Foundation for taking the lead and we encourage others to follow in their footsteps as we work together to make a positive difference on that part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Frederick County,” explains Community Foundation President Elizabeth Y. Day.

“One cannot over emphasize the importance of this generous gift from the Carlson Family Foundation, a first gift intended to attract matching gifts. In fact it's an acorn gift, a beginning gift, a gift that if appropriately attended to and nurtured by our heritage rich community will grow and mature into a mighty effort by all those in our community interested in preserving, stabilizing and rebuilding the Catoctin Aqueduct. The Community Foundation of Frederick County builds bridges between today's dreams and tomorrow's realities; this new fund is well within this job description in that an aqueduct is but a bridge over water for boats. We are grateful to Jim Norton of the Carlson Family Foundation for launching this most deserving community project,” adds Lander resident Dr. George E. Lewis, Jr., a Community Foundation trustee as well as chairman of The C&O Canal Funds Advisory Committee. It is this committee that worked in close partnership with the C&O Canal National Historical Park to create six other funds with the Community Foundation to support various projects pertaining to Frederick County’s part of the C&O Canal. The funds promote short- and long-term projects, the production and installation of waysides and educational instruments, educational research, and the preservation and upkeep of a lockhouse. To see a complete list of funds supporting the C&O Canal in Frederick County, visit the Community Foundation’s web site, click on “Funds” and follow the links. 

As Frederick County’s premier resource for promoting philanthropy, the Community Foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations to set up charitable funds that enhance the local quality of life by awarding scholarships, providing grants, and supporting community causes. With over 500 funds under management, the Community Foundation has provided more than $11 million in community grants and scholarships to date. To learn more or to start a fund, visit the web site for information or call the Community Foundation at 301.695.7660.

Contributions The C&O Canal Current Initiatives/Catoctin Aqueduct Fund are accepted at any time in any amount. Checks may be made payable to and mailed to The Community Foundation of Frederick County, 312 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701. Insert the fund’s name in the check’s memo line. To make a gift using Visa or MasterCard, call 301.695.7660. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.