Steve Bosmoski of Alta Planning & Design presented the Harnett County Greenway feasibility study, describing the process, public engagement and recommended priority segments linking Cape Fear Shiner Park, Campbell University and the Coats downtown rail corridor. Bosmoski said the study (begun in early 2025) recommended implementable 10–12-foot paved shared-use paths and identified typical challenges — railroad crossings, wetlands, utility conflicts — that will require alignment work and coordination with property owners and the N.C. Department of Transportation.

Carl Davis, a county staff member, explained the study includes high-level cost estimates but does not request county funds now; instead, formal adoption would strengthen future grant applications and enable coordination on design and construction phases. Bosmoski and staff emphasized that some segments could be led by partner jurisdictions and that the prioritized “first-step” linkage could yield about 3 miles of riverfront greenway if private and public parcels align.

Commissioner Carmel asked about prior greenway work; staff replied that the county will present a related rail-easement grant for acceptance at the Dec. 9 meeting to begin conversion of a railroad spur and that greenway development is typically incremental and reliant on multiple funding sources. The board agreed to add adoption of the feasibility study to next week’s consent agenda so jurisdictions can formally endorse the plan before pursuing design and grants.

The board’s next steps include placing the plan on the consent agenda, continuing alignment coordination with Lillington and Campbell University, and pursuing funding for design and construction phases.