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Oak Ridge budget includes $100,000 for CSX right-of-way work on Greenway Trail; consultant contract amendment in progress
Summary
Staff said they will negotiate right-of-way acquisition from CSX for the Greenway Trail and that a contract amendment is needed because original consultant quotes are outdated and the consultant originally selected is no longer available.
The fiscal 2026 draft budget includes $100,000 for work on the Greenway Trail project; staff said that amount is intended to advance right-of-way negotiations with CSX and initial consultant work in a year when larger expenditures for purchasing the rail line are anticipated later in the multi-year schedule.
John, a staff member working on the project, told council the consultant originally engaged for the trail is no longer in business and that updated quotes from subconsultants are substantially higher than originally budgeted. As a result, legal and staff are preparing a contract amendment to authorize the next phase of work. John said the administration expects to perform negotiations on the CSX right-of-way during the upcoming fiscal year but that larger purchases will show up in later budgets once negotiations and quotes are complete.
Council members asked how much progress $100,000 would make; staff said it will not fund the acquisition itself but will allow the city to move the contract amendment, hire necessary subconsultants and negotiate right-of-way interests during the year.
Staff said this phase of work is intended to prepare the city for larger expenditures in future fiscal years when acquisition would be undertaken.
