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County accepts $225,000 Great Trails grant and approves NC 42 boat access MOA with Clayton and NC Wildlife
Summary
Johnston County accepted a $225,000 state Great Trails grant (with a $225,000 county match from open space/fee‑in‑lieu funds) to acquire the Wilson Mills segment of the Neuse River Trail, and authorized a memorandum of agreement with the town of Clayton and NC Wildlife to advance an NC 42 car‑top boat launch (kayaks/canoes only).
The Johnston County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 5 to accept a $225,000 North Carolina Great Trails State program award to purchase the Wilson Mills segment of the Neuse River Trail, and authorized execution of the grant contract. Parks Director Austin Cross said the county will match the award with $225,000 from open‑space funds (fee‑in‑lieu of land dedication funds rather than property tax revenue) to move the project forward.
Cross told the board the acquisition is intended to extend the Neuse River Trail and, ultimately, connect to Selma and Smithfield. Commissioners emphasized the match comes from development‑related open space funds and is not property tax money.
Separately, the board approved a memorandum of agreement between Johnston County, the town of Clayton and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission for an NC 42 boating access area at the corner of NC 42 and Castleberry Road. Cross said the site will be a car‑top launch for kayaks and canoes; powerboats will not be allowed for recreational use (emergency services boats will have access via a locked bollard). Funding for design and construction was secured from an NCDWR water resources development grant; Cross said no construction start date is yet set but the engineering phase is nearing completion.
Both measures were moved, seconded and approved by the board by voice vote.
