Agenda - 09-19-2017 - 7-a - Mountains to Sea Trail – Report on Segment 11 Trail Planning

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3 Additionally, professional facilitator Andy Sachs from the Dispute Settlement Center was hired to facilitate and help plan for the meetings. Consultation and advice was also provided by the County Manager, County Attorney and Risk Manager. Staff will present the following information at the meeting for the Board's consideration and further direction: • The results of the Segment 11 MST planning process • The Proposed Segment 11 MST Trail Map (with alternates) • A proposed course of action for beginning to acquire trail easements and trail construction and infrastructure, beginning with extension southwest from Occoneechee Mountain. Consistent with the wishes of the OWASA Board, the planned next steps for the MST, once approved, will be communicated to the OWASA Board and staff. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the receipt of this report. Funding for the planned first phase of MST trail easements, construction and associated equipment and appurtances was included in the FY 2016-17 budget as part of the County's Capital Investment Plan. Grants for trail easement acquisition will be applied for to lessen County costs, and MST needs are listed as a high priority for State grant programs such as the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. Trail construction and maintenance is expected to include partnership with the Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail organization. Allotments of funds for future sub-segments of the MST are scheduled in the County's Capital Investment Plan for FY 2019-20 and FY 2023-24 or beyond. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: While not inconsistent with the adopted Social Justice Goals, the MST Segment 11 project does not overtly address these goals. The MST would provide an inexpensive and accessible means of recreation for County residents. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the report and provide direction to staff on next steps. The Board may wish to consider discussing the MST route and planned next steps at an upcoming work session, before scheduling adoption of the trail route and plan.