Dear Friends of Rail-Trails: You receive this email, because I believe you may have an interest in the Norfolk Southern (NS) Railroad line between Hendersonville and Brevard, NC. It has had no traffic for over 2 years and will likely be abandoned. The corridor should be Federally Railbanked. For a name, I'm call the converted railbed, the Apple Mountain Music Trail, (AMMT). Hendersonville's Apples and Brevard College's Music. It must be preserved as a regional rail-trail and protected for future transportation options. If NS decides to abandon the corridor, North Carolina Rail-Trails would offer to assist NCDENR to request a Federal Railbank from the Surface Transportation Board and negotiate with NS for the acquisition of the railroad's property and interest. NCDENR holds property through the State Property Office and has the authority to buy land and hold state parks and trails. NS may want money for their interest, a tax benefit or both. Mike Domonkos of Brevard, a retired administrative law judge, on North Carolina Rail-Trails' Board of Directors, represents NCRT in the mountains. He has been active with rail-trails for over a dozen years. Mike's quarterly report to NCRT of 10-11-08 gives an update of where the players are regarding this rail corridor. (SEE BELOW) Mike's phone number is 828-884-7648 - email bardofb@citcom.net Jerry Smith, Jr, of Henderson County's Apple Country Greenways Commission has expressed interest in preserving the rail corridor and has agreed to collect names of interested persons for contact regarding future community effort for a rail-trail. Jerry's cell phone number is (828) 243-9123. His e-mail is jj81868@hotmail.com. You can help with the AMMT! You may volunteer with Mike or Jerry. There needs to be a coordinated ground swell of grass roots support/advocacy for the AMMT for DENR and NS to take notice. The vision is the formation of a two county steering committee, representing all stake holders, the public's interest, local governments, bicycling and walking interest, tourism development and community connectivity. We seek a Hendersonville and Brevard connection - a rail-trail. Transylvania and Henderson Counties and all the communities between Brevard and Hendersonville will benefit greatly from a preserved rail corridor and its conversion into a rail-trail of regional significance - the Apple Mountain Music Trail.
Regards, |
Mike Domonkos’ Project Report for the October 11, 2008 NCRT Meeting
Wilson, et al v. Norfolk Southern Ry Co.
Brevard Bike Path
Hendersonville to Brevard Rail-Trail Status |
PO Box 61348 - Durham, NC 27715-1348