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Spring 2011 Newsletter Available
Since our last newsletter last Fall, we've been busy thinking about how to improve our newsletter and the Spring '11 edition is the first to showcase this new look. Each 2011 newsletter has a theme, showcasing how rail-trails connect people and communities. The theme for this issue is economic development, focusing on the American Tobacco Trail. Our newsletter isn’t the only thing receiving a face-lift. We are also pleased to introduce you to the new North Carolina Rail-Trails logo. We hope that you like it! We will be rolling out our new image to the public and the media soon.
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Good News for the Ecusta Trail!
The Ecusta Trail is a proposed multi-use hike and bike 18-mile greenway along the railway corridor between Hendersonville and Brevard, North Carolina. The Friends of the Ecusta Trail have just been informed that the IRS has approved their status as a Non-profit 501(c)3 organization! This confirms that donations that have been made, or are made now, are tax deductible for the donor. Donations are being used to develop informational materials that help get the group's message out. The City of Hendersonville is conducting a trail planning and economic impact study and expects results in the Fall of 2011 (See earlier news item and an April '11 article in Blue Ridge Now). They have also obtained names and contact info for all property owners along the line, and are ready to start making personal contact with each to talk about the trail and hear questions, objections and feedback. To donate and learn more on plans and news for this project please see the Friends of the Ecusta Trail web site.
Hendersonville Conducting Rails-to-Trails Study.
The City of Hendersonville will be conducting a Rail to Trail planning study and economic impact analysis of the eighteen mile Norfolk Southern Ecusta rail line that travels from Hendersonville to Brevard. The study, which is partially funded through a grant from the Federal Highway Administration, will look at the possible conversion of this rail line to a multi-use trail for use by walkers, bicyclists, and others in Henderson and Transylvania County. The City anticipates that the study will be completed by late Fall 2011. For further on the study see article on the WHKP site and an April '11 Blue Ridge Now update. See the Friends of the Ecusta Trail site for background and current activities of the group.
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Funding for Trails and Bike/ped Facilities May be Threatened
Federal transportation programs and agencies are funded through March 4, 2011. With the changes brought by last November's elections, there will be a Republican redraft of the House version of the Federal budget, which will almost certainly reduce spending from the previous (Democratic-written) draft. Individuals and organizations concerned with trails and bike/ped facilities should be ready to tell their Members of Congress why funding for these programs is important. Our friends at American Trails have done an excellent job explaining how federal trail funding is currently under threat. Please follow this link to learn more and to make your voice heard by contacting your representatives.
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Work Continuing to Establish a Rail-Trail to Connect Two Campuses in Belmont
The idea for a greenway along a corridor of the Piedmont & Northern is back. The proposal has not only been resurrected, it actually has some funding, at least for design and engineering. Adrian Miller, Belmont's assistant city manager reports the city recently got a $30,000 grant from the Carolina Thread Trail. In February 2011, the council will appoint a steering committee that will include property owners along the 1.4-mile stretch of the old P and N track running from Woodlawn Avenue north of Interstate 85 to downtown. Meanwhile, the city has applied for a $300,000 grant from the N.C. Department of Transportation for the project. If approved, the city would have to put up $60,000. To read more see a January 16 article from the Charlotte Observer. For earlier background please see our May 10, 2010 News item.
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NC Wants Help Improving Life for Cyclists, Walkers
For any walkers or bicycle riders who've ever felt their safety took a back seat to motorists, now's the time to speak up. The state Department of Transportation has launched an online survey that solicits comment from pedestrians and cyclists on ways to improve their experiences. The results of the survey will be used to identify problems and safety concerns, and to gauge the level of public support for future investments in North Carolina's bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. The survey can be found online at https://www.ncdot.gov/bikeped and will be open through February 8.
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Fall 2010 Little Toot Newsletter Now on Our Newsletter Page
Our final 2010 newsletter contains articles on activity and plans for the Ecusta corridor in Hendersonville/Brevard, news of the retirement of AL Capehart after 21 years leading NCRT, news on plans for the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor, and a profile piece on our new Executive Director, Carrie Banks. Here is the link to the PDF version of our Fall 2010 newsletter.
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Spikes Awarded to Deep River Rail-Trail (DRRT) Prime Movers
Perry Conner and Dilys Bowman received the "working spike" award for their DRRT accomplishments. The spikes were found 2009 in Franklinville on Harvey Harman's section of the Atlantic and Yadkin Ramseur Branch when it was motor graded for placing the crushed stone and fines on the old railbed for the trail. Perry credits NCRT with having saved the town's Recreational Trails Program grant and with Harvey's help got the rail-trail on the ground and as the RPO's top non motorized request for DOT funding. Dilys has been active on workdays, prepared numerous maps and information displays on the DRRT, and played an active role within the DRRT oversight group. In a separate ceremony in Pittsboro on November 21st, Mr. Harman received a golden spike award .
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Third Annual Carolina Thread Trail Forum: "Going the Extra Mile"
Carolina Thread will be holding the 3rd Annual Carolina Thread Trail Forum on December 2, 2010. The Forum is geared for trail practitioners and community leaders interested in advancing The Thread throughout the fifteen-county Thread region. Topics to be covered include: Greenway Construction in the "New Normal", Brownfields to Greenways, Natural Surface Trails, You Have a Plan. Now let's build it!, Carolina Thread Trail Grant Tips, Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail, Bridges and Boardwalks 101, Leave No Child Indoors: Making Trails Interesting for Kids, Virginia Creeper Trail, Designing Safe Trails, Roanoke River Paddle: Trail's Local Economic Impact.
Check these links for more on the Carolina Thread Trail or to register for the Thread Forum
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Carol Thomson and AL Capehart Receive Awards at Recent NCRT Board Meeting
At it's recent Annual meeting, North Carolina Rail-Trails was pleased to present a Golden Spike award to Carol Thomson for her long-term efforts in preparing and distributing a multimedia documentary video entitled "Bridging Rails to Trails, Stories of the American Tobacco Trail". The documentary explores the 100 year evolution of the American Tobacco Trail from a railroad crucial in tobacco manufacturing to a unique linear park. The final segments were completed in early 2010 and the complete documentary was formally released at the Durham Arts Council in March 2010. After completion of the proposed I-40 bridge and southern Durham section of the ATT, an additional video segment will be developed. CDs of the documentary have been provided to local school systems. You can view the current version at the bridgingrailstotrails site.
The Carolyn R. Townsend Volunteer Award to AL Capehart recognized over 27 years of service in advocating for rail-trails, facilitating the planning for several rail-trails around the State, providing advice and guidance to trails groups, and serving as the volunteer President and Executive Officer of NCRT since 1990. AL will move from his long standing role as a voting Board member to ex-officio President on January 1st 2011. Board Chair John Morck presented the Award to AL.
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