LISBON, Ohio - Expansion of the multi-purpose Greenway Trail in Lisbon has been in the works for seven years. And now park leaders in Columbiana County are celebrating one phase of its completion.

The Greenway Trail East Extension is one mile longer and ready for use. The trail is located on state route 154, and Columbiana County park officials said the scenic pathway is about 15 miles now. Their long-term vision aims to create a network of trails connecting to the Ohio River in East Liverpool.

 "The last piece of that long-term plan that's not completed yet, is to get the trail built from Lisbon down to the Ohio River," Tom Butch, Columbiana County Park District vice chair told 21 News. 

The Ohio River is about 22 miles way from the new section of the trail but before it can reach the river, park officials said they will need help with funding.

"Obviously the county park district doesn't have the funds to build a 22-mile bike trail. But there's National Park Service involvement, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has some funding, The Nature Conservancy has helped from time to time. So, there's some big players [and] once we get that blueprint, we can begin to work with those partners to see what we can actually do." Eileen Dray-Bardon, Columbiana County Park District chairperson said. 

Dray-Bardon said a park levy will be on the ballot this November.

In the meantime, an informational kiosk can be found at the new section of the trail to help visitors find nearby businesses.