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75 <br /> Project Phasing <br /> Building a connected county trail network requires a phased approach that balances readiness,funding <br /> opportunities, and community impact. Since each corridor will require more detailed feasibility and funding <br /> coordination, the timeline for implementation may be extended. The framework described below provides <br /> a practical roadmap for advancing Orange County Trails Plan projects over time and reflects best practices <br /> from statewide and regional trail initiatives in North Carolina.9,10 Orange County's trail network can advance <br /> through three phases: near-term (1-5 years), mid-term (5-10 years), and long-term (10 years or more). <br /> These categories recognize that some segments can progress quickly through existing partnerships, partial <br /> connections, and data, while others require additional coordination, environmental review, and/or substantial <br /> landowner outreach. <br /> PHASE 1 PHASE 2 <br /> Near-Term Opportunities(1-5 years) Mid-Term Opportunities(5-10 years) <br /> In the early years, Orange County can focus on Once early studies are complete and partnerships <br /> the projects that are most feasible in the short are in place, Orange County can begin advancing <br /> term due to existing partner relationships, simpler and delivering more complex trail projects. State <br /> design needs, or strong community support. Phase and regional plans often use this middle window to <br /> 1 is also an opportunity to secure state and federal deliver long connections, town-to-town segments, <br /> funding and build capacity for implementation.10,11 and projects involving multiple agencies or <br /> jurisdictions.' <br /> The following activities are well-suited for Phase <br /> 1, especially for establishing consistent project The following work may be included in Phase 2. By <br /> delivery in future years: the end of this phase,the County and community <br /> Completing feasibility studies for the highest can expect to see meaningful improvements to <br /> • ranked segments on page 6911 connectivity and enhanced daily use. <br /> • Proceeding with full design and engineering <br /> • Initiating environmental studies, emergency for segments with established access or clear <br /> access opportunities, and preliminary right-of feasibility <br /> way/easement conversations <br /> Strengthening coordination with key partners Beginning construction of longer or <br /> • more complex trail corridors that require <br /> (municipalities, NCDOT, OWASA,Triangle coordination with multiple landowners or <br /> Land Conservancy, NC State Parks, Eno River <br /> Association, Duke Forest, Friends of the MST) utility providers <br /> Beginning interdepartmental coordination with Pursuing easements or land acquisition along <br /> • DEAPR, Planning, and the County Attorney's waterways and proposed links in MST routes <br /> Office on future processes for accepting and Implementing segments that tie directly into <br /> maintaining trail dedications associated with roadway projects, utility upgrades, or regional <br /> development approvals transportation efforts <br /> • Submitting applications to state and federal Building signature segments that anchor the <br /> funding programs listed on page 76 evolving county network <br /> • Constructing shorter, lower-complexity trail <br /> segments where design is straightforward <br /> • Enhancing existing facilities with wayfinding, <br /> signage, and small scale safety improvements <br /> 72 Draft Orange County Trails Plan <br />