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There appear to be two basic options for construction of such a trail either as requested by the schools and/or proposed by Commissioner Gordon (pending Town of Carrboro review and agreement). 1. Option 1 - An interim natural surface or aggregate trail that could provide for bike and stroller traffic until a more permanent trail is constructed. 2. Option 2 - A permanent 10-foot greenway trail, probably paved. It should be noted that both trails will require a pedestrian bridge crossing over Jones Creek. A permanent structure would likely be a substantial bridge, potentially in terms of both span and thus cost. The Town's greenways plan envisions a greenway trail to serve both transportation purposes as well as leisure use, and discussions will be needed with the Town as to whether an interim bridge is acceptable. Town ordinances (and FEMA regulations for stream crossings) may preclude the possibility of an interim, less-costly bridge — more information on this possibility will be provided as it becomes available. The long-term vision in the Town's plan for this trail is one that requires grading, paving, subsurface base and other work. This, plus the bridge, will make the permanent version (Option 2) a more costly measure — although the trail surface selection will affect the degree of that cost. It is possible that Option 1 could be at least partially constructed by staff and volunteers (with coordination and oversight), with perhaps an Eagle Scout or community project for the bridge - if this is permissable. Even a rough estimate of the cost for this option is difficult to determine, pending clarification from the Town of Carrboro on the standards and grading that would be required (and whether other federal floodplain certifications may be needed for the bridge). The cost will greatly hinge on what type of bridge and associated grading is required, if this version would be permitted in the sewer easement and stream buffer at all. Option 2 would require construction by a professional firm, grading and subsurface work and edging along the trail, and a more permanent bridge. If the surface is a paved trail, this type of trail on the Twin Creeks site would cost an estimated $850,000 (including the permanent bridge spanning the floodplain as a substantial part of the cost). If the permanent trail could be a natural or fine gravel surface instead, this could reduce the cost. There may also be some potential for community or volunteer assistance in this project, although at a considerably lesser degree than the interim trail option. Park benches and trash receptacles placed along the route would add to the cost— but these are not substantial costs and may be accomplished for less than $10,000. Note: With the installation of the sewer line and the possible willingness of the Town to consider a greenway in the sewer easement, an opportunity now exists to revisit whether the "redline"trail and a greenway trail inside the sewer easement are both needed, or whether one will suffice. Preliminary conversations with OWASA staff indicate the potential for location of the trail within the sewer easement, pending further discussion, with the understanding that provision for repairs to the sewer line will be needed - which could impact or damage the trail. Key Issues, Questions and Potential Benefits