Executive Summary
The Kanawha Trestle Rail Trail is being developed as a multi –use nonmotorized trail system to connect the Mound in South Charleston to the State Capitol complex. With future plans to connect Coonskin Park at Capitol Market. This rail trail system will allow safe access for pedestrians and bicyclists to many civic, education al and recreational locations. This rail trail system will preserve and restore two historic and unique rail structures that are eligible to be listed on the National Historic Register. This project will enhance the livability and attractiveness of Charleston and South Charleston and create a greater sense of community and increased civic pride. Last but not least creating a more walkable community will increase the level of physical activity among residents, which promotes a healthier life-style.
Feasibility
- CSX is a “willing seller” of the trestle and 4 to 5 acres of adjoining property at well-below fair market value
- A title search has begun by Steptoe & Johnson to confirm real estate title to trestle acreage.
- A phase one environmental study has been conducted by CSX and a report given to the City of Charleston
- Preliminary and secondary engineering studies have been done on the structure with no fatal flaws being found. These reports are also on file with the City of Charleston
- A Master Plan has been developed Floyd Browne Group
- The project has been adopted by Sasaki Associates as part of the Riverfront Development Masterplan
- Charleston Area Alliance has featured the project as an example of ongoing community development
- Norfork Southern is willing to a Rail with Trail along its right of way in the city
- The project has been included in the long range transportation plan developed by the local MPO
- Through the leadership of Congresswoman Capito an $800,000 federal transportation appropriation has been obtained
- The city of Charleston has pledged $475,000.00 to the Kanawha Trestle Trail
- $475,000 is being requested from Transportation Enhancement funds through the WV Division of Highways for phase one
- $60,000.00 was donated by The Greater Kanawha Valley
- To date over $40,000 Budget Digest funds have been obtained by the WSNA for preliminary work related to the trestle trail
- Grants for future development are available through Groundworks USA, Land & Water Conservation Funds, Historic Preservation, Safe-Routes-To-School, Bikes Belong, and many other sources, including future requests for Transportation Enhancement and Recreational Trail funds through WV DOH
- Several hundred dollars have been donated by individuals and community organizations
Funding
Liability
Generally trails are covered by the overall insurance policy of the public entity that manages the trail. Public liability risks from trails are small relative to other public services like roads, playgrounds and swimming pools. By taking safety concerns into account when designing and maintaining your trail, you can lower these risks. With respect to liability risks to trail neighbors, private landowners are protected by recreational-use statutes in West Virginia. Under this statute, a landowner who does not charge a trail access fee will not be held liable for injuries sustained on his/her property unless an injured person can prove "willful and wanton misconduct on the part of the landowner."
Safety
Trail development may actually decrease the risk of crime in comparison to an abandoned and undeveloped rail corridor. And, several studies show that people prefer living along a rail-trail rather than an abandoned corridor. Typically, lawful trail users serve as eyes and ears for the community. Trail advocates should be sure to address security concerns beginning in the planning stages and continuing through the development of a trail's management plan. The trail's design can also enhance safety, such as landscaping and lighting.
Maintenance
We envision a cost of $1,400 to $2,000 a mile for yearly maintenance. Being mainly grass cutting and minor repairs. Historically, rail trail projects have tremendous community support with volunteers continually showing support by literally adopting the trail and helping maintain it. We see this happening already with the creation of the “Friends of the Kanawha Trestle Trail” organization.
(A separate maintenance cost analysis was performed for the trestle structure, annualized cost was $36,000.00)
Phase One of the project will incorporate a concrete deck for the trestle, which is anticipated to dramatically reduce maintenance costs. Further, we envision using the initial grant funds to address all identified deficiencies with the structure so only minor maintenance will be needed for the foreseeable future. And to ensure the structures longevity, plans are in place to create an endowment fund to cover the expense of larger, capital-related maintenance items that will inevitably occur.
Management
The committee proposes to combine forces with the City of Charleston, the City of South Charleston, the Kanawha County Commission, the West Side Neighborhood Association, Charleston Area Alliance, the Elk River Rails to Trails Foundation and the WV Land Trust. As mentioned previously we are establishing a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization called “Friends of the Kanawha Trestle Trail. Via fund-raising and other support activities, the organization will act to support the ultimate entity that will own and operate the rail trail. The rail trail will be owned and operated by a joint development entity (the "Entity"), pursuant to W. Va. Code § 7-12-9b, consisting of the municipalities through which the rail trail traverses.
Additionally, the Entity's structure will allow for inclusion of additional municipal and county partners as the rail trail expands. W. Va. Code § 7-12-9b is a recently enacted statute, which allows multiple municipalities, and development authorities to form and own joint development entities. Due to the newness of the statute, it remains untested. However, the statute promises several potential advantages including, but not limited to, an additional shield against liability for the Entity's members, Entity state tax-exempt status, Entity's preservation of the same powers, rights, and privileges of other county and municipal development authorities pursuant to W. Va. Code § 7-12-7 et seq., and Entity's preservation of the same powers, rights, and privileges of other business forms pursuant to general corporate law.
Desirability
Kanawha Valley residents scored trail development as the highest priority on the SCORP survey for 2002. Rail-trails can bind communities together as effectively as the railroads did before them. Proof of that is found in the hundreds of communities now reconnected by unused rail corridors transformed into vital community assets. Linking the places where we live, work, learn and play with trails and greenways is a crucial element of building safer, healthier, more livable communities. Trails and greenways reconnect us to our neighbors by creating common ground for social interaction. They reconnect us to our families by providing safe and healthy recreation areas for children, parents and grandparents. And, with the restoration of old railroad trestles, we are reconnected to the rich period of history when previous generations helped build and connect America by rail. By reconnecting America with trails and greenways, we create a valuable legacy that honors the past, enriches the present and provides a precious gift to the future.
Supporters
Government
City of Charleston
City of South Charleston
Kanawha County Commission
West Virginia TourismOrganizations
West Side Neighborhood Association
West Side Main Street
Charleston Area Alliance
WV Trails Coalition
WV Land Trust
Elk River Rails to Trails
Kanawha Valley Historical & Preservation Society
Kanawha City Contemporary Garden Club
Kiwanis Club of Charleston
Kiwanis Club of West Charleston
Optimist ClubBusinesses
SportMart
Elementis Specialty Chemicals
Charleston Department Store
Highland HospitalTimeline:
Sept 2002 – Small group looked into acquiring High Top Branch to create a trail from Capitol Market to Coonskin. Oct 2002 – Discussions with Norfork Southern about possibility of rail trail. Trying to get points together to apply for TEA-21.
April 2003 – John Moon of NS stated a buyer for the High Top is in negotiations. He also stressed that NS would not do a rail with trail on the west side.
July 2003 – Article in paper about converting the CSX Bridge into a rail trail. Group gets together to assess viability.
Summer and fall 2003 – The possible rail trail comes together. Shows the possibility of linking the Mound in South Charleston to the State Capitol Complex. At 5 miles in length it will connect many local attractions. Large infrastructure already in place with Kanawha and Elk River bridges.
Nov 2003 – Received notice of intent from NS to allow a Rail with Trail along their corridor through the west side.
Jan 2004 – Kanawha Trestle group partners with Charleston to apply for TEA-21 funds in the amount of $1.75M to rehabilitate the trestle. CSX is willing to sell the trestle for a $1 and the land for fair market value.
July 2004 – Informed by the state that project did not receive funding.
Dec 2004 – Congresswoman Capito secures an $800,000.00 federal transportation appropriation towards the Kanawha Trestle Trail.
Jan 2005 - Charleston applies for TEA-21 funds again. This time for $950,000.00. Phase I ESA has been completed by CSX and inspection of bridge completed by Hamm Engineering.
April 2005 – Kanawha Trestle Rail Trail brochure is completed. 6,000 copies are created with funding by CAA, City of South Charleston, Steptoe & Johnson and WV Trails Coalition. Brochures graphically explains possible connections to many community, civic, educational and recreational locations throughout Charleston and South Charleston.
July 2005 – Delegate Danny Wells presented Mayor Danny Jones with a check for $20,000.00 towards the Kanawha Trestle Trail at City Council. The WSNA attended to accept on behalf of the Mayor
July 2005 – Charleston City Council creates a taskforce to work with the trestle group.
August 2005 - Modjeski and Masters completed ultrasounds of superstructure of trestle. No fatal flaws found. The bridge is structurally sound. Minor repairs are outlined.
August 2005 - Informed by the state that project did not receive funding. Was told that project had potential and to keep exploring TEA-21 possibilities.
Sept 2005 – CAA hosts Think Tank 13, Rail to Trails Tour de Kanawha. Heather Deutsch from Rails To Trails Conservancy, keynote speaker. Ralph LaRue and Dennis Strawn speaking also..
Nov 2005 - Received 10 questions from the state asking for responses related to Kanawha Trestle Trail.
Jan 2006 – Charleston applies for TEA-21 funds again. Trail group and council taskforce able to answer critical questions. Creation of LLC to own and manage the trail as a regional park is outlined.
Jan 2006 – The trestle group speaks at South Charleston City Council.
June 2006 – West Virginia Trail Runners Association donate $1,000.00
Oct 2006 – The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation donates $60,000.00 towards the trestle project.
September 2006 – The trestle trail receives $100.00 from the Panefetti Fund administered by TGKVF.
Nov 2006 – Deitzler Foundation donates $500.00 to the trestle trail project.
Dec 2006 - Modjeski and Masters completed 20 year maintenance plan for trestle, ex: inspections, navigation lights, normal repairs, etc. Annualized cost is $36,000.00.
Jan 2007 - Charleston applies for SAFETEA-LU funds again. The city pledges $475,000.00 towards project. Mayor Jones speaks favorably of the project.