The Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) convened on February 23, 2024, to discuss significant developments regarding the Fall Line Trail, a regional project spanning 43 miles across seven jurisdictions. John Ludville, the executive director of Sports Backers, opened the meeting by expressing gratitude for the support received for the trail and highlighted the completion of the Fall Line Vision Plan. This plan outlines future enhancements for the trail, including art installations, playgrounds, and additional amenities.

Ludville announced that Sports Backers has secured funding to develop a new website for the Fall Line Trail, transitioning from falllineva.org to the more intuitive falllinetrail.org. This initiative aims to improve public engagement and information dissemination about the trail's progress.

He also reported that efforts are underway to secure state funding from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for the trail, which has yet to receive financial support despite qualifying for long-distance trail funding. Notably, 22 miles of the trail are expected to enter construction or design phases in the coming year, with recent groundbreakings already occurring in Henrico County.

Ludville emphasized the transformative potential of the Fall Line Trail, comparing it to renowned projects like Atlanta's BeltLine and New York's HighLine. He noted that the trail's unique route through urban, suburban, and rural areas positions it as a vital component of the regional bike and pedestrian network for years to come.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the CVTA's commitment to supporting the Fall Line Trail, underscoring its importance as a visionary project for the community.