Harrison County Commission approves moving forward with original rail-trail condemnation plan

The Harrison County Commission on Sept. 3 voted to proceed with its previously framed condemnation action to secure a corridor for the county's rail trail, taking property up to a defined point and providing United International a nonexclusive easement for a portion of the area near the power plant. Commissioners signified their support by voice vote; the motion carried.

The decision follows several months of design work and negotiations aimed at extending the trail north toward Shenston. Trey, a county staff member, summarized the recommendation: "I'm asking you all to determine if the concept of a take up to a per certain point is acceptable and then the nonexclusive easement around or in towards the power plant is an acceptable way to proceed." The county attorney and engineers had recommended acquiring fee title up to a station point identified on the map and granting a nonexclusive easement for the owner's remaining portion near the power plant to avoid prolonged litigation and reduce costs.

Commissioners and staff discussed alternatives including routing the trail along the public road, shifting the alignment closer to the river to stay out of the flood zone, or pursuing additional condemnation beyond United International's holdings to create a trailhead and parking area. Staff noted the county had already deposited funds into the court for the originally intended right-of-way and that appraisals and condemnation deposits had not been completed for property beyond the currently proposed take.

County staff said part of the corridor beyond United International's property is owned by CSX, which affects options for a continuous fee acquisition. Chad, a county staff member involved in project planning, and other staff said the proposed approach was the most cost-effective path to advance the trail while leaving options open to pursue additional right-of-way later if required.

Commissioner Thomas and others pressed for a clear follow-up plan showing exactly how the county would connect from the acquisition point to the next segment north. Trey and staff acknowledged the connection details are not fully designed and said the vote authorizes the county to proceed with condemnation to the previously identified endpoint while staff continues to refine options for the final approach.

The commission's motion did not specify a timetable for construction; staff said the county had aimed to pursue the project in the first or second quarter of the project year but that schedule remains contingent on negotiation outcomes, easement agreements and additional engineering work. Staff also said the county has been coordinating with the state on use of the state road for portions of the route and has had preliminary discussions with the power plant about access.

The vote advances the county's ability to build continuity north along the rail corridor while preserving the option to negotiate or return unused land if future agreements alter the alignment.

Votes at a glance: Motion to proceed with the original condemnation plan (take fee to the previously identified station point and offer United International a nonexclusive easement for the limited area near the power plant) — outcome: approved; mover/second: not specified on the record; vote: recorded by voice as "aye," motion carried.

The commission directed staff to continue design and stakeholder outreach and to return with more detailed plans for the segment connecting the newly acquired corridor to the next northern section toward Shenston.