Title
Vote to approve grant match funds for Deep River State Trail Feasibility Study
Abstract
Introduction & Background:
The Planning and Parks & Recreation Departments are pursuing funding for a Feasibility Study for the Deep River State Trail in Chatham County through the Central Pines Rural Council (CPRC). The feasibility study will identify a corridor for development of a multi-modal land-based trail in Chatham County along the Deep River, extending 28 miles from Carbonton to the confluence of the Deep and Haw rivers, at the mouth of the Cape Fear River in Moncure.
The Deep River State Trail is recognized in the county's 2019 Parks and Recreation Master Plan as an opportunity to develop outdoor recreation opportunities in the southern region of Chatham County. The Deep River State Trail steering committee has identified a feasibility study for the Chatham County corridor as one of its objectives for the state trail in 2024.
Discussion & Analysis:
The funds are available through a State Planning and Research program offered through the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Only RPO's can apply for the funding on behalf of their constituents.
Central Pines Rural Planning Organization, which Chatham County pays membership dues to, will oversee applying, managing, and working with NCDOT. Our role as the county will be developing the scope of the project and assisting in the steering committee, public engagement, and providing general guidance and consultancy to the study. A 10% cash match is required for the project. Other potential funding sources generally require a higher match.
Grant award notification is expected in July of 2024. It is anticipated that the RFP and hire process, along with the expected project timeline will push the project into FY26 thus spanning multiple fiscal budgets.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan:
This project falls under the scope of goal six from the Comprehensive Plan, which is to provide recreational...
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