Fairfax debate narrows on George Snyder Trail as council weighs partial build or cancellation

The Fairfax City Council spent the evening examining the contentious George Snyder Trail project and asked staff to return with detailed options for constructing only a western segment, canceling the project or proceeding with the full alignment.

Mayor Catherine S. Reed told the council the trail was part of a regional commitment tied to concessionaire funding, and that the city had obligations to its Northern Virginia partners: "When funding is given to a jurisdiction it is because we made a commitment to build a project that benefits our city but also benefits this region," she said. Reed said the city had received federal and state approvals and right-of-way has been acquired, which limits the options available to reverse course quickly.

Staff presentations summarized the technical and environmental trade-offs. Transportation Director Winnie Sanford told council the project is at 100% plans, with federal authorization to advertise valid through May, and reported about $3,700,000 already spent on design, environmental review and right-of-way. Urban forester Anna Stafford said the trail alignment's estimated limit of disturbance for…