Explore Issues

 

Save Our Rural Communities

& Country Way Of Life

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This rails to trails project threatens the quiet, rural quality of life that local residents have moved here to enjoy so highly for generations, creating problematic parking, traffic, safety, and trespassing issues.

Many other nearby opportunities exist to hike, bike, ride, and explore nature without impairing the traditional way of life in local communities. 

High Project Costs To Tax Payers

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With projected construction costs in the millions of dollars, this project cannot pay for itself through economic growth and increased taxes.   

If built, this unneeded recreational project will increase federal state and county taxes.

There are already at least 24 underused federal, state, and county outdoor recreational facilities currently available within 60 miles and this trial project is not needed.

Increased volume of traffic accidents on narrow country roads will increase costs to society in many ways. Additional costs for EMS, police, fire, and maintenance departments and will increase county taxes.

Reduced privacy, unwanted intrusion, and increased liability will add costs for local residents.

Environmental Impacts

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The construction of this trail will cause disruption of eagle and other wildlife habitat, and will increase traffic congestion and unwanted maintenance activities.

Additional noise and air pollution from vehicular traffic will effect local residents negatively, along with problems with trash, drainage, and runoff.

Local Safety Concerns

Narrow railbed with little passing space.

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Very narrow and mountainous secondary country roads are the only way to access the rail trail. Declaring a railbed / state road as a combination hiking, biking, and horse trial is very dangerous for all users.

A sizable portion of the proposed trail, far from being abandoned rail bed, is a state road (State Rt. 817) and the increased numbers of hikers, bikers, and horseback riders will be sharing with cars, delivery trucks, farm vehicles, and other motorized traffic, creating numerous serious safety concerns.

There is no cell phone service on most of the rail road for reporting accidents, and EMS response time is well over an hour.