The plan is to purchase or otherwise acquire development rights to the abandoned railway between Macon and Milledgeville, and build a multiple-purpose pathway to provide connectivity and promote health and recreational opportunities.

Trail Route

Click map above for larger view.

Please see also a Yahoo Map of the proposed route.  Download the KML file to Google Earth.

Building a regional trail will take a lot of work.  It requires leadership by responsible citizens and local governments.  This community effort will provide valuable partnership opportunities for Baldwin, Jones, and Bibb counties citizens and elected officials.  Federal matching money is available to organizations and agencies to work together on design, construction, and maintenance.

Feasibility Study

A 35-page document was created by the Middle Georgia Regional Development Center to provide background information on:

• The communities involved, the natural features, physical features, and property ownership
• Issues and opportunities, including environmental, economic, and community impacts
• Potential obstacles or impediments
• Cost estimates and potential funding sources

Download the entire Feasibility Study (PDF- 215 Mb) (WARNING- This file is very large!!)

Download the Abridged Feasibility Study (PDF- 0.4 Mb)

Key Findings

Almost 250,000 people who live in the counties served could gain

• A growing and aging population benefits from walking paths
• Trails bring economic growth in quality-of-life, property values, and jobs
• There would be significant health benefits, improved livability, and preservation of historic heritage
   

The majority of the route is still owned by CSX, but there are many segments that have been sold or leased to others

• CSX has expressed interest in working toward a Rail-to-Trail
• Four large segments have been conveyed to private owners
• Additional property owners have received easements and right-of-ways
• Other obstacles exist, including road widenings, conflicts with active rail lines, road and stream crossings, and circumventing large industries including a rock quarry

The environmental impacts should be minimal

• And the potential for conservation and education is great

The costs will be significant

• Unknown costs of property or easement acquisition
• Depending on surface type, we may need several million dollars for land acquisition, planning, development, trail construction, and amenities

But funding is available

• Transportation Enhancement Program (80% Federal matching funds)
• Recreational Trails Program (Federal/State reimbursement of up to 80%)
• Safe Routes to School Program
• Georgia Land Conservation Tax Program
• S.P.L.O.S.T.
• And others...