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Council signals support to apply for Great Trails grant to expand walking and biking paths
Summary
Council voted to indicate its intent to apply for a Great Trails grant that would support walking and biking paths, with staff noting a likely 25% local match and a September 1 application deadline; staff will partner with local foundations and pursue potential land acquisitions.
The Edenton Town Council voted to indicate the town’s intent to apply for a Great Trails grant to develop walking and biking paths and related recreation improvements.
Town staff said the grant opportunity requires local matching funds (staff stated that, as a Tier 1 town, the match would likely be one dollar local for every four dollars of state funds, effectively a 25% local match). Staff discussed potential land‑acquisition elements, including a possible connection to Hayes Farm, and noted they are working with regional state park directors and consultants. The manager said the town plans to partner with the Elizabeth & Ben Moore Foundation as part of the application effort. Staff also identified a likely application deadline of Sept. 1.
Council members asked questions about match requirements and whether the railroad (owner of some abandoned assets) would be amenable to land discussions; staff said turnover in a railroad generic email box had previously hampered contact but communication has improved and staff hopes to use the grant process to open more conversation.
Council moved, seconded and passed a motion indicating support to proceed with the application. The approval is an endorsement to proceed with staff work on an application and does not itself obligate the town to spend funds until a formal award and subsequent budget actions occur.
