Friends of Ossipee Rail Trail seek $25,000 town commitment to leverage grants; residents raise safety and ownership questions

Representatives of Friends of the Ossipee Rail Trail asked the Board of Selectmen on March 3 for a $25,000 town contribution to strengthen applications for larger grants to develop a multi-use rail trail. Speakers from the volunteer group and members of the public described the contribution as a common fundraising practice: grantors and foundations often want to see local financial commitment before awarding larger sums.

Friends of the Ossipee Rail Trail said the $25,000 would help underwrite planning, applications and initial project work; volunteers said the town contribution would be used to demonstrate local buy-in and help attract state or foundation grants. The group indicated it is applying to the Lakes Region Planning Commission for additional funding and wants to show the town is “in the game” before approaching foundations.

Residents raised multiple questions and concerns during public comment: - Trail route and crossings: Several speakers asked where the trail would run near Route 16, whether it would cross Route 16 and how crossings and traffic safety would be addressed. One speaker noted previous traffic fatalities on Route 16 and questioned routing that would increase pedestrian crossings. - Rail removal vs. rail preservation: Some residents asked whether the tracks would be removed permanently or whether the trail could be constructed alongside retained rails. Volunteer proponents and other speakers said removal and salvage of rails would be handled through the state Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) process and that proceeds from scrap could offset construction costs; one speaker noted that in many conversions rails are removed and trains have not returned to former trail corridors. - Timing and scope: Speakers emphasized the project is long term and that the state process (including potential transfer of the corridor from DOT to DNCR) would govern salvage and construction decisions.

Why it matters: The proposed trail could draw new recreational users and tourism dollars but also requires managing safety at highway crossings and clarifying long-term ownership and operations. Volunteer leaders said modest local funding typically unlocks larger external grants.

Ending: Volunteer organizers told the board they expect to return with grant proposals and more detailed design work; the board and members of the public encouraged continued outreach on safety and routing.