24-Move to approve a resolution authorizing a (TIGER) grant programCITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM BRIEFING SHEET
Submittal Date:
Originating Department:
Presented By:
Agenda Item No.:
09/10/09
Engineering, Planning &
Shawn Napier, P.E.
Council Date:
Development
Director of Engineering, Planning
24.
09/14/09
& Develo ment; Earl Erickson
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move to approve a resolution authorizing a Transportation Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER)
discretionary grant program in the amount of $18,755,599 for a 130-mile non-motorized pedestrian,
bicycling and equestrian trail project starting in Farmersville on an abandoned rail corridor to Paris to
New Boston/Texarkana and authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute all necessary
documents.
POLICY ISSUE(S):
Project Support
BACKGROUND:
The proposed TIGER grant will fund a 130-mile extension of the rails-to-trails project that includes the
Trail de Paris. The grant application is due September 15 for the trail project and the City of Paris will
be the nominating entry for the grant and project manager. Long-term maintenance of the trail will be
the responsibility of each government entity that the trail passes through. This grant will allow the City
of Paris to complete the proposed sections of the Trail de Paris. The proposed project time line has a
completion date of December 2011.
Letters of support are needed from the City Council and as many people who are willing to send support
letters to the trail effort, so they can be submitted with the application that is due September 15, 2009.
Mr. Amadeo Saenz, Jr, who is the TxDOT Executive Director, has sent a letter of support to Mr. Earl
Erickson for the proposed 130-mile trail project.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
EXHIBITS:
Resolution, Project Information, Proposed Trail Map, TxDOT letter of Support
ACTION:
BUDGET INFO:
N/A
❑ Financial Report ❑ Minute Order
Expense
$
❑ Department Report Z Resolution
Budgeted Amt.
$
❑ Presentation ❑ Ordinance
y'I'D Actual
$
❑ Public Hearing ❑ Other
Acct. Name
Acct. Number
FISCAL NOTES:
Mr. Erickson has secured $220,000 from other organizations for matching funds.
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Z Administrarion N City Clerk ❑ Communiry Development ❑ EMS/IT ❑ Finance ❑ Fire
❑ Municipal Court Z Legal ❑ Library ❑ Police Z Eng./Public Works ❑ Urilities
City of Paris Revised 2/04/08
DRAFT
F.attorney\reswork\current\Rails to Trails TIGER Final Discretionary Grant Suppor[ Res 2009
October 12, 2007
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, TEXAS; IN
SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATIOIV TO THE U. S. DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION, TIGER DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAM, BY THE
CITY OF PARIS, FOR FUNDS TO CONSTRUCT THE NORTHEAST TEXAS
(RED RIVER VALLEY) TRAIL, APPROXIMATELY 130 MILES OF
PEDESTRIAN/ BIKING/ EQUINE TRAILS FROM FARMERSVILLE, TEXAS,
TO NEW BOSTOIV, TEXAS, ALONG ABANDONED RAIL BA1VK; MAKING
OTHER FI11iDINGS A1VD PROVISIOIVS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, cities, counties, chambers of commerce, industrial development groups,
and other non-profit entities along the proposed route desire to construct a multi-use,
non-motorized pedestrian/biking/equine trail utilizing the abandoned rail bank corridor
contiguous from Farmersville, Texas, to New Boston, Texas; and,
WHEREAS, these groups plan to unite and form the Northeast Texas (Red River
Valley) Trail Coalition in order to coordinate efforts to construct this pedestrian/biking/
equine trail to provide a safe trail system in the ATCOG region; and,
WHEREAS, federal stimulus money has been made available for trails projects by
the U. S. Department of Transportation, TIGER Discretionary Grant Program, that will be
administered by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT); and,
WHERES, the City of Paris has applied for $20 million for the "Northeast Texas (Red
River Valley) Trail" project to reconstruct bridges and build up the trail along the rail bank
to join the pedestrian/biking/equine trail from Farmersville to New Boston; and,
WHEREAS, this trail would be the longest in the State of Texas and one of the
longest "Rails to Trails" projects in the United States, thus bringing national attention to our
region and creating additional tourism and dollars spent in the cities and counties along the
trail; and,
WHEREAS, similar trails in other parts of the country have been immednsely
successful and we feel this pedestrian/biking/equine trail would provide economic, health
and welfare benefits to the citizens in our region.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PARIS, TEXAS:
a v.. v l5V
Section 1. That the findings set out in the preamble to this resolution are hereby
in all things approved.
Section 2. That we strongly support efforts by the Northeast Texas (Red River
Valley) Trail Coalition to construct the pedestrian/biking/equine trail system from
Farmersville to New Boston.
Section 3. That we strongly support the application for $20 million by the City of
Paris to construct the Northeast Texas (Red River Valley) Trail.
Section 4. That we strongly recommend funding for this project through the
TIGER Discretionary Grant Program.
Section 5. This resolution shall be effective immediately upon passage.
DULY PASSED A1VD APPROVED this 14th day of September, 2009.
Jesse James Freelen, Mayor
ATTEST:
Janice Ellis, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
W. Kent McIlyar, City Attorney
w 1
Ji A n
at7 o n . ~ o:~,
~ r✓ . a o ~ [ ~ e ---ti'
Z co . ~l T~ E , _ _ - s . o- ' `3` _ . . .
P 7
• ~ ~ ' ~ . ~rc- _ ~O ; ~ ~ ~N ~~~f P O D..s;1~
f e _ ~ ~ GO a V.~n
3 ~ a - c fc c T p,
m XY
3.°-
ki
O.'.. ~ ?m , ~y°
tg
~ M ~ E ~ ~ o ~ • c • .e ,~y.',
,°e~ ~.e~. m h ~ o
• ' y ` d
Ccn
v
- c >
~ V ~ a~~•~ j~ ~ ( ~
J m _ -h c c^
_ o ~a' ~ * .a - ' _ ,
~ . . e • . P. ' P ~iC _.v;.~__~~ ~ ~ ~ _ (Y ~a
- Z _ C
,
Z~ ~ ! ~ ~ .<< ..,-ryc '.t - . o ~o • = -
~ ~ • _ -
- a
m ~ ~ j~O p U ~ e~^~
I f `t N
~1 N
~ . t.•4 ~ ~/1 t~ n 0 d_~ _ F~
~ = ~ ~ . lp
Z ~y(.~. t a• ~ ' : . , o
~
~ -
~^a a~i O m Vp 3~t,'Fj
O P, J = ' m~•-~.
O cia :*:g
L -p r . r~, ' ~ •
. ~l O ~ _ `o g ~ •O
, _
~.,E i o °r~' Q ~m ~
,1-~ ~p ~D p C ~ y G7 O et-~ .aC O O ~ ~
v
'
c
C'
4 "v~ ,0 47~ o „ . ~ ~ ~ mJ I a ♦ • • ♦
t_ . ' ~ T .
d
,
p _ ,
T P
~ . m h' `t' " p' y' ~ • ` m - `
6
.c~°'
rti ~
.
°m~.~
C~;G N a . - a c •
O~?
t 3 O +~s}~' ~ ~ 1~ ` ~ ~n -c ' a o ~ j~~r.,~. ^ o ~
• pa . I c o ,
,f
° ZE
Ooo ^ d. h s ~ ID +
t
cn
0.0000000, m
C . P • - 4 ` 0 ~ ~`p V ~ ~ , _ m ~ _ = c ` L ~~I.:
cy
~ozr° t` m' •••"~`t' e ~ _ . ,~.a. ^
c~~. e, ~ ~ n • .o e ~ - v _ .
~ t O...
~ c. ' • ° ° ° w m - . c ^ q . E ? v, , ~
~
u =
,T. yi
a~ ~ r~~'~ ~ ~ _
~
P ~ ~ - - . . tC Y
s
a
6
~
e
-
~ s
m * E
'
.
n
c ~
LL
~ ,c rr\
.'y =
a a
m c
~ 2 C ~ O 7yr
s t, ~
d
C w 8
^ a °
E
~~~15~
Texas Department of Transportation
DEWITT C, GREER STATE HIGHWAY BLDG. • 125 E. 117H STREET • AUSTIN, TEXAS 7$701-2483 •(512) 463-8585
August 31, 2009
Mr. Earl Erickson
Project Coordinator
1125 Bonham Street
Paris, Texas 75460
Dear Mr. Erickson:
The Texas Department of Transportation is pleased to support your application for funds under
the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) discretionary grant
program for the 130-mile non-motorized pedestrian, bicycling, and equestrian trail project in
Northeast Texas. Should you receive funding under this program, our agency will work with you
closely to expedite the project.
We appreciate the importance of the Northeast Texas Trail project for your region and assure
you that it holds statewide priority as well because the recycling of a 130-mile corridor wi{I
enhance economic development, preserve historic sites and protect wildlife and plant life.
As you may know, each state is eligible to receive a maximum of $300 million in total funding
through this program. After reviewing your request, our agency has concluded that this project
could compefe favorably for these (imited resources and have confirmed that yaur proposal
meets the following criteria of the program:
• long-term outcomes: state of good repair, economic competitiveness, livability,
sustainabiiity, safefy
• jobs creation/economic stimulus
• innovation
• partnership
We appreciate your ongoing involvement in Texas transportation. Our staff is prepared to assist
you if you need help in finalizing your application. if you have additional questions or need more
information, please contact me at (512) 305-9501, or your staff may contact Robin Ayers,
Congressional Liaison in our Government and Public Affairs Division, at (512) 463-8345.
Sincerely,
f ca~i 423
l~
Amadea Saenz, Jr., P.E.
Executive Director
cc: Texas Transportation Commission
Robin Ayers, Government and Public Affairs Division, TxDOT
THE TEXAS PLAN
REDUCE CONGESTION • ENHANCE SAFE7Y • EXPAND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY • IMPROVE AIR QUALITY
INCREASE THE VALUE OF OUR TRANS?ORTATION ASSETS
An Equa! Opportunify Employer
r v 7 5
TIGER FINAL Discretionary Grant -Letter of Support Request
Any project nominated for the TIGER Discretionary Grant Program must be sent by
the nominating entity to the Secretary of Transportation for consideration. As part
of the application preparation process, nominating entities may request a letter of
support for their project from TxDOT. TxDOT will consider providing letters of
support for projects that meet the program's requirements.
Nominating entities may use the following form to submit a request for a letter of
support. All requests must be submitted no later than August 24, 2009. By
completing the form below, your information will be sent to the appropriate TxDOT
district's Director of Transportation Planning and Development for further handling.
If you have questions about this form or the process for requesting a letter of
support, you may contact us at 512-463-8345.
* - Required field
1Vominating Entry: * City of Paris, Texas
Contact Information
Last Name: * Erickson
First IVame: * Earl
Phone Number: *903.785.7353, mobile-903.517.9778
Project Information
County Location: * Lamar
Facility IVame or Highway Designation: *Northeast Texas (Red River Valley) Trail
Project Limit FROM: *Farmersville/East Dallas to Ladonia to Roxton to Paris to
Project Limit T0: * Detroit to Clarksville to DeKalb to IVew Boston/Texarkana
Brief Project Description: * Do you want to be part of an investment with a great
rate of return that will richly enhance the quality of life in Texas? Join us in "re-
cycling" a priceless abandoned rail road corridor through scenic rolling countryside
that is contiguously rail banked from Farmersville through Paris to 1Vew
Boston/Texarkana (130 miles) into a public trail for multi non-motorized alternate
modes of transportation (walking, bicycling, horseback riding, wheelchair
accessibility, and other forms of recreation or transportation). In addition to non
motorized transportation and recreation, it will serve many other purposes; historic
preservation of railway corridors and bridges, economic revitalization of 20
Northeast Texas rural towns in 7 counties, open space conservation (via the
National Trails Systems Act) and wildlife conservation. To show communiry
- -15~i
support, the Northeast Texas Trail project will be leveraged with $220,000 local
money.
Status of STIP: * Not currently in a STIP
Status of Environmental Review/Approval: * Don't expect any environmental issues
because of previously disturbed right of way. No land acquisition or relocation
needed.
Estimated Construction Completion Date: * 12/31/2011
Estimated Total Project Cost (Design + ROW + Construction): *$18,975,599
Estimated TIGER Grant Funds being Requested: *$18,755,599
Project Type: *
(select at least one project type) Highway or Bridge (Construction or
maintenance of a highway or bridge)
Transit (Construction or maintenance related to public transportation, such as
commuter rail or buses)
Rail (Passenger or freight rail)
Port (Sea or inland)
Other
A 130-mile non- motorized pedestrian, bicycling, and equestrian Trail
construction
Selection Criteria
Long Term Outcomes Addressed by the Project: *
(Identify applicable project criteria and include a brief description in the text box.)
State of Good Repair
Between Farmersville near Dallas, Texas, to New Boston near Texarkana, Texas, lies
a sprawling unused, railway corridor that has been abandoned for years. It is
currently being used for junk disposal, and unlawful 4-wheeler usage has created
deep ruts and crevices through the corridor causing corridor erosion and flooding
on it and adjacent property. In some areas trees and shrubs have encroached the
entire corridor making it almost impassable. The intent of this trail project is to
recycle this 130-mile corridor into a pristine pathway for usable non-motorized
transportation. This trail will further enhance the natural beauty of the landscape by
preserving historic sites and protecting wildlife and plant life.
2
- „.,.,155
The entire railroad corridor is contiguously rail banked by 6 agencies (Chaparral
Rails to Trails, Greater Paris Development Foundation, Cities of Clarksville, Annona,
and Avery, and Bowie County). This Trail project fulfills the encouragement and
protection of the National Trails Systems Act, State and Metropolitan Area Trails
Sec. 8. (16USC1247) Paragraph (d): "The Secretary of Transportation, the Chairman
of the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the Secretary of the Interior, in
administering the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, shall
encourage State and local agencies and private interests to establish appropriate
trails using the provisions of such programs. Consistent with the purposes of that
Act, and in furtherance of the national policy to preserve established railroad rights-
of-way for future reactivation of rail service, to protect rail transportation corridors,
and to encourage energy efficient transportation use, in the case of interim use
of any established railroad rights-of-way pursuant to donation, transfer, lease, sale,
or otherwise in a manner consistent with the National Trails System Act, if such
interim use is subject to restoration or reconstruction for railroad purposes, such
interim use shall not be treated, for purposes of any law or rule of law, as an
abandonment of the use of such rights-of-way for railroad purposes. "
The above section (d) is the rail-banking agreement authorization. The "to
encourage energy efficient transportation use" defines the corridors for non-
motorized transportation only usage.
Therefore, these 6 rail-banking entities have the charge and authority to convert
this property into a multi non- motorized use public trail. The corridor is "shovel
ready" to begin Trail construction. The grant application will contain the needed
Trail construction approvals from the rail-banked agencies. Once the project grant
is approved, the construction of the trail can begin. These corridor right of ways
vary in width from 100' in the countryside to 300' inside some town limits. This is
ample space to construct adjacent walking, bicycle, and horseback riding paths.
These are abandoned railway corridors. The railroad tracks and ties have been
removed. Most of the ballast has also been removed. Therefore, the corridor is
ready and waiting to be graded to remove encroaching vegetation and debris
accumulated from disuse, to fill and level eroded corridor areas, refurbish railroad
bridges where needed, and surface the countryside trail way with crushed granite.
Asphalt and concrete will be used for trail surfacing inside the intersecting rural
towns limits. Traffic calming will be installed where necessary. Safety bollards and
signage will be installed where appropriate to deter motorized vehicles on the Trail.
Trail usage rules will be posted.
Economic Competitiveness
The regional economic impact created by the IVortheast Texas Rail-Trail project will
be immense. Trail systems have become the central focus of tourist activities and
the impetus for kick-starting a stagnating economic area. Within a 60-mile radius of
the three main trailhead towns (Farmersville, Paris, and Texarkana) over 10 million
people are within driving distance to enjoy this amenity. The population in the
Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is predicted to be 18 million by the year 2020, the
3
„ -156
majority of which will take place in our Trail project's Region. This Trail (130-miles)
will be the longest in Texas and the 5th longest in the Nation. Its length is a potential
economic benefit, because the longer the duration of time the user can spend on the
Trail, the more they will generally spend. Visitors from all over Texas, other states,
in particular from adjacent ones Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana will frequent
the Trail for vacations and weekend outings. Studies have shown that trail users can
generate as much as $1.25 million annually for the towns that a trail passes. Our
Trail will roll through 19 towns, therefore, as the Trail marketing starts attracting
tourists' dollars there is the potential of conservatively generating $23.75 million of
revenue annually for this economically depressed Northeast Texas Region. The
estimated construction cost of this Trail network is $17 million. That's a great rate
of return. The Trail will provide the tools to turn its geographical resources into
community trademarks that become focal points of civic pride and key attractors of
new residents and businesses.
Livability
Studies have shown that Trail facilities improve the overall quality of life in a
community and that quality of life truly determines the livability of an area. Citizens
and visitors alike will benefit from the multi-use trail that will foster recreational
activities and encourage a healthier lifestyle. Obesity among Americans has reached
an all time high and continues to climb despite Surgeon General warnings and other
health initiatives sponsored by the White House and the Department of Health and
Human Services. Research shows that even small increases of physical activity can
evidence measurable health benefits including controlling weight, helping prevent
heart disease, lowering cholesterol levels and diabetes, slowing bone loss associated
with advanced age, and more. Although individuals must make the decision to
exercise, communities can make the choice easier by providing an attractive, safe
place to bike, walk, hike, and skate. This need is ever more important in areas with
no sidewalks like many of the towns in the proposed project area. The Trail will
provide a social environment to help people connect with nature and enjoy beautiful
rural landscapes. This Trail will be for non-motorized alternate modes of
transportation, reducing air pollution and traffic congestion. The ability to avoid
congested streets and highways, and travel through natural areas on foot or by non-
motorized means, is a large factor in a community's "livability". This Trail will allow
people to enjoy beautiful rural landscapes that can increase quality of life perception
in the Trail communities.
Sustainability
The Northeast Texas Rail-Trail project will provide a safe, eco friendly way of
transportation thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With rising fuel costs, more
and more people are opting for travel alternatives such as cycling. Also, people are
increasingly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and as a result,
choosing bicycles over oil dependent vehicles. The trail will also preserve areas
including wildlife, wetlands, and historic areas along the trail. Businesses along the
trail front would be engaged as volunteers to maintain the area adjacent to their
4
- -15-1
property that is common practice along similar trails in the US. A workforce of
volunteers will also be solicited for volunteer work along the trail in areas such as
trail heads, beautification areas, hummingbird/butterfly gardens, and nature trails.
This Trail system will preserve critical open space that provides natural buffer
zones to protect streams, rivers, and lakes from pollution run-off caused by fertilizer
and pesticide use on lawns and farms. It will also serve as a flood plain that absorbs
excess water and mitigate damage caused by floods.
The ecological benefits of the greenways can help these communities mitigate costs
associated with the control of water and air pollution and flood management. This
dedicated trail corridor can also play a valuable role in preserving linear space for
future infrastructure needs.
The measureable economic benefits of The Trail may begin with increased user
expenditures in the region, but further intangible results may be seen long after
visitors leave. Some of those are: enhancements of nearby property values along
areas that feature the Trail, reduced healthcare costs that may result from increased
opportunities for healthful exercise, and encourage walking or bicycling to locations
within a reasonable distance-such as school, work and recreational areas, rather
than driving.
Safety
The Northeast Texas Rail-Trail project will provide a safe alternative to roadway
traveling as pedestrians or cyclists can travel on the trail without fear of accidents
with automobiles. Not having to contend with motorized vehicles is a prime trail
usage motivator for families, the elderly, and the physically challenged.
This non-motorized trail will increase safe and affordable options for exercise and
recreation, helping to improve the health of visitors and residents alike. It will
function as a safe, viable transportation corridor. It provides opportunities for
families to enjoy a healthy activity together. It will enhance the safety and
convenience of travel to many of the community's residential and commercial areas.
Currently, the Paris, Texas, section of the trail has been completed and is included in
the Paris ISD master plan for Safe Routes to Schools program. Other communities
are sure to follow suit with the finished trail. The trail will feature multiple access
points creating more visibility and providing safety. Planning and construction of
the trail will follow safety protocols involving yield to traffic signs and roadway
signs alerting travelers of approaching trail crossing. Education sessions informing
trail users of safety tips will be formulated and presented.
Other Goals Addressed by the Project: *
(Identify applicable goals and include a brief description in the text box.)
Job Creation and Economic Stimulus
5
156,
The implementation of the Northeast Texas Rail-Trail project will immediately
stimulate the economy in 19 rural towns along the path. At the forefront will be the
addition of construction positions including surveying, project development,
material suppliers, and the construction contractors. While construction is
underway, the rural towns will see an increase in spending in their respective areas
due to work crews seeking lodging, food, and recreation as well as materials
purchased. As the construction is finalized, the Rail-Trail project will inevitably
create jobs that support the trail such as maintenance and recreational businesses.
In addition, it is predicted that many recreational businesses will form as a result of
having the 130-mile multipurpose trail. A IVational Park Service study revealed that
the economic impact of a trail involves a combination of newly created trail-related
jobs and the expansion of existing businesses related to travel, equipment, clothes,
food, souvenirs, and maps. Visitors to the trail will utilize services such as bed and
breakfasts, hotels, travel agents, bicycle shops, visitor centers, gift shops, and
restaurants while equestrian lodging and hay barns will be needed by those who
choose horseback riding. Trail users' expenditures produce widespread benefits to
the local economy including: increased retail sales, jobs, and subsequent
expenditures by local merchants to suppliers of materials and services. Amenities
such as pocket parks, picnic areas, trailheads would be formed along the trail. Many
of the 19 towns along the proposed trail are seeing steep economic decline. Red
River County, including Detroit, Clarksville, Annona, and Avery is one of the most
economically poor counties in the state of Texas. The trail will spur new growth in
these areas and help revitalize the declining economy.
Innovation
It will be the longest Trail in Texas and there is nothing of to compare in the
adjoining States of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. A Northeast Texas (Red
River) Trail Alliance consisting of the 19 rural towns and 7 counties is being formed.
The Lamar County Chamber of Commerce has agreed to act as the central focal point
for the organizations administrative support. The Ciry of Paris has agreed to be the
governmental sponsoring agency for this comprehensive project. We view this Trail
as a 130-mile linear park. There are no Texas State Parks in Northeast Texas. When
the Trail is completed, the plan is to donate it to the Texas Department of Parks and
Wildlife (TDPV1) as a State Park for Northeast Texas. It is preferable that TPWD will
maintain the entire Trail. Another option would be for TPWD would create a Trail
Maintenance Coalition District within the Northeast Texas Region made up of the
Trail corridor municipalities and county governments. Each would oversee the day-
to-day maintenance operations of their sections of the Trail network.
Partnership
The Northeast Texas communities' need for this project is evident by the many
partnerships that have already been working in mile-by-mile sections to make it
become a reality. The following is a list of these partnerships: Capital from 3-
6
- y -15
consecutive TPWD Recreational Trail Grants, local grants from Lennox, Legacy, First
Federal Community Bank, Greater Paris Development, Kimberly Clark Foundation,
Campbell Soup, Lamar Power Partners, and Ash Grove Foundations. In kind
donations of equipment, materials, and labor has been phenomenal. The original
2004 construction of the Trail de Paris 3mile asphalt Trail on the abandoned rail
banked corridor had a cost estimate of $900,000. $125,000 in cash was raised and
the rest of the project $775,000 was totally funded via in kind equipment, materials
and labor by the private sector. To show continuing community need and support
for Trails, the recent Paris to Reno extension along the rail-banked corridor had a
cost estimate of $576,000. A$120,000 in grants from 51oca1 foundations and the
remaining $456,000 will be funded by private sector in kind donations.
The following are partnerships showing wide community support for the building
and maintaining of the 130-mile Trail: a 3mile trail in the town of Farmersville
Trail, the 4mile Trail de Paris, 7 refurbished railroad bridges, installation of a new
bicycle and pedestrian bridge over busy US Hwy 271 in the town of Paris, the 2 1/z
mile trail through the town of Reno and 3 refurbished Railroad bridges, clearing and
grading 15 miles of corridor and repairing 5 railroad bridges from Pecan Gap to
Wolfe City, clearing and grading of 25 miles from New Boston to Avery.
All of the Northeast Texas Rail-Trail projects rail-banking agencies have partnered
together to build the Trail on their corridors; Chaparral Rail to Trail, Greater Paris
Development Foundation, towns of Clarksville, Annona, and Avery, and Bowie
County. An alliance of state and federal representatives, city mayors, local
Chambers of Commerce, and communiry leaders agrees the 130-mile trail is key to
growth in rural northeast Texas. The partnership extends through 7 counties and 19
towns.
To show community support, the Northeast Texas Trail project will be leveraged
with $220,000 local money.
Lennox-$100,000-4 year span
1St Federal-$75,000-3 year span
Chaparral-$25,000
De Kalb -$20,000
7
......16p