Hello everyone… My name is Dylan Jones from Selma, Alabama and I am currently enrolled at Auburn University. This summer I will be working as an intern for Mr. Wells and Ward 6. I am really excited about this opportunity and have already learned and experienced so much.

I am sure everyone knows about the new Metropolitan Branch Trail and for those of you who do not, it is basically a planned eight-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail between Union Station and Takoma Park, Md. My first day of work consisted of attending the press conference of the official signing of a contract between PEPCO and DDOT giving the district a "right of way/passage" enabling the city to begin phase II of this process that has taken almost ten years to advance to this point. Tommy spoke at the event and had been helpful in getting the agreement reached to move forward with the project. He was so excited, he even took a spin on one of DDOT's new Smart Bikes that are popping up around the city.

Upon arriving to the scene, the atmosphere could only be described as exciting. For most of the people who were there, one could tell the feeling of accomplishment for the many who have worked so hard to get the project "off the ground"…or should I say on the ground! 

The new addition to the trail will take users over Florida Avenue, under New York Avenue and over Rhode Island Avenue, avoiding eighteen lanes of heavily traveled roadway. It will connect to the Capital Crescent Trail, the Anacostia Tributaries Trail System and the National Mall, and will be part of the East Coast Greenway. The MBT will be an important recreation and transportation route and will provide direct access to seven of Metro’s Red Line stations.

Again…I am really excited about being in DC and learning all I can about this wonderful city. I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend and will talk with you soon!