The North Carolina General Assembly recently approved a budget for 2023-2025, allocating $54.9 million towards enhancing trail and greenway infrastructure across the state. This funding coincides with the 2023 North Carolina Year of the Trail celebration, marking the largest outdoor recreation celebration in American history, reaching over 50 million people through various channels.
Palmer McIntyre, the Coordinator for the Great Trails State Coalition, expressed gratitude towards the Assembly and all partners involved, emphasizing the positive impact on physical and mental health, outdoor accessibility, and economic development surrounding trail investments. He noted that the Year of the Trail campaign has showcased the universal benefits of trails, making it a mutually beneficial initiative.
This budget allocation is historic as it’s the largest amount ever designated for trail and greenway projects in North Carolina. The budget includes:
- A new $25 million non-recurring funding program named the Great Trails State Program.
- An additional $5 million to the Complete the Trails Fund for authorized North Carolina State Trails that cross country lines.
- Nearly $25 million directed towards specific trail and greenway projects across the state.
The budget further earmarks $24.9 million in non-recurring funds for various projects including the Saluda Grade Corridor Trail, walkway and trail project in Columbus County, trail construction in the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, Rails to Trails projects in Shelby, Middle Fork Greenway in Blowing Rock, and several others across different counties. Each project aims to enhance outdoor recreation, promote physical activity, and contribute to the economic development of the respective regions.
