Palmetto Trail seeks recurring maintenance funds and $12.25 million to finish key segments
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Summary
Palmetto Trail leaders asked the committee for an increase in recurring maintenance funds and $12.25 million in one‑time money to acquire remaining corridor acreage and finish critical trail connectors, citing economic benefits for small communities.
A Palmetto Trail representative told the subcommittee the long‑distance trail needs additional recurring maintenance funding and a one‑time appropriation to complete remaining corridor purchases and infrastructure.
The presenter said the organization has previously received $1,000,000 in recurring state support for operations and requested an additional $500,000 recurring to sustain trail maintenance. For capital work, Palmetto Trail asked for $12,250,000 in nonrecurring funds to purchase remaining rail corridor segments, repair storm damage, complete trestles and build trailheads — including a recently negotiated purchase of the last five miles of the Pete Cross Ferry Trail from Norfolk Southern.
Speakers emphasized economic benefits to small communities that would result from linking trail segments and river frontage, and noted remaining damage from recent storms that the trail has repaired with private donations while still needing public support. Committee members thanked the presenter and discussed how House appropriations compared to Senate requests; no vote was taken in the transcript.