Auburn approves MOU to resurface Charlotte and Curtis Ward Bike Trail; project estimate $500,000

Auburn City Council on Dec. 16 approved a memorandum of understanding with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) to resurface the Charlotte and Curtis Ward Bike Trail, a 1.6‑mile paved path along Shell Toomer Parkway.

Public Works staff described the trail as built around 2000 and having reached the point where resurfacing is warranted. “The estimate for the project is $500,000 that is in the FY ’26 budget currently,” the Public Works representative said. He added the agreement is reimbursement‑based: the city will assume responsibility for the project and ADCNR “would reimburse us for half of the cost.”

Officials said the MOU establishes an easement allowing the city to perform maintenance and resurfacing within the trail corridor; the roadway and areas outside the easement remain ADCNR responsibility. Council asked whether the city would be responsible for tree trimming inside the trail easement; staff said the city may act within the easement but not on adjacent roadways.

Public Works said annual maintenance is expected to be handled by existing public‑works staff and that the city is in the design phase and will provide refined cost estimates to ADCNR before construction. Councilmembers spoke in favor of restoring the trail and noted the Wards’ long service to Auburn; one councilmember said the trail is a fitting community recognition of Charlotte and Curtis Ward.

The Council approved the item as part of the consent agenda, and staff will return with final design and procurement details as the project moves forward.