6-a - Approval of Planned Mountains to Sea Trail Route Through Orange County

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MST is shown following the Eno River. Funding for the few acquisitions needed for Segment 12 will come from State funds. The attached map continues to show the Proposed Route (Segment 11) from the September 19, 2017 BOCC report, with one addition to reflect a proposed second access point into Alamance County. The Proposed Route, from northeast to southwest, begins at Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area and crosses Interstates 85 and 40 to connect to the Seven Mile Creek Nature Preserve (part of the Upper Eno Nature Preserve). This phase of the project is the first scheduled for activity and funding, and work is now underway based on prior Board direction. The trail continues southwest towards the upper reaches of Cane Creek and thence to Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) owned land and other properties north of Cane Creek Reservoir. Finally, the Proposed Trail connects along NC Highway 54 and would cross that highway at the Oaks intersection (which is to be signalized in the next few years), before heading west toward Saxapahaw in Alamance County. As has been noted in many prior discussions, the stretches of the Proposed Trail that would traverse private property will be negotiated with willing landowners along the route. Since this is a multi-year project, it is possible or even likely that the trail route may shift from the identified line on the map based on landowner interest. Trail easements or other acquisitions for the MST will be conducted only with willing landowners. In some cases, stretches of the trail may remain incomplete for a period of time, with hikers using nearby roads to connect to sections of the trail (as is currently the case in other parts of the state). The December 4, 2017 petition to the Board – in addition to asking the Board to adopt a trail route – also asked that the County accept offered easements in the Cane Creek Reservoir area, and establish a relationship with the Friends of the MST for trail construction and assistance. As noted in the December 12 memo, work is underway on both of these fronts. In terms of other Board direction from September 19, 2017, the Manager and staff would note that a meeting with the OWASA Executive Director and staff is being scheduled to discuss OWASA conditions and expectations of how the MST construction would come to OWASA. In terms of the “parallel track” discussion for the Multi-modal Trail concept, the County Manager has initiated this by first convening as group of County department directors to research the topic and review in the context of other related pedestrian needs, such as sidewalks. This information gathering is underway. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with designating the Proposed Trail route for the MST. Funding for the first phase of MST trail easements, construction and associated equipment and appurtenances was included in the FY 2016-17 budget as part of the Capital Investment Plan (CIP). A portion of these funds would be from grants and other sources. Grants for trail easements will be applied, and MST needs are a high priority for State grant programs. Trail construction and maintenance is expected to include partnership with the Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail organization, which may also lessen costs. Funding for future portions of the MST are scheduled in the CIP for FY 2019-20 and FY 2023-24 or beyond. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There are no Orange County Social Justice Goals associated with this item. While not inconsistent with the adopted Social Justice Goals, the designation of a trail route does not overtly address the goals. The MST would provide an inexpensive and accessible means of recreation for County residents. 2