Rails to Trails Project Deadline Extended
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe federal Surface Transportation Board and CSX have extended the deadline for New Albany to acquire a CSX line for the city’s Rails to Trails project. The city says it continues to seek funding to acquire the 63-mile line from New Albany to Bedford that will be transformed into a recreation trail.
The city’s redevelopment commission approved the city’s proposal to have law firm Faegre Baker Daniels assist with the project last November.
Under federal law, railroads may allow unneeded rail lines to be converted to recreation trails. The conversion process is governed by the STB and limits negotiation for a conversion to 180 days. New Albany had secured authority to negotiate with CSX in August and that authority has now been extended.
Governor Holcomb’s Next Level Trails funding opportunity has assisted in the effort to create a trail.
“This is the future North-South connection to our Ohio River Greenway, and it is our next phase of growth for outdoor recreation, health, and connectivity,” Mayor Jeff Gahan said in a news release.