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NCDOT flags wetland on planned White Lake multi-use path; town eyes carbon-reduction grant
Summary
Board members heard that an NCDOT affiliate identified wetlands along the planned multi-use path on NC Hwy 701; town staff previously sought state funding for the White Lake Drive multi-use path and will explore a Carbon Reductions Emission initiative grant for the wetland-affected segment.
The White Lake Recreation Advisory Board on Jan. 22 was told that a portion of the planned multi-use path along NC Highway 701 has been identified as wetland by an affiliate of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, a finding that could affect project funding and design.
Who said what: Chair Erin Seiling relayed the NCDOT finding, attributing the determination to Ken Clark, an affiliate with NCDOT. The board noted that funding for the wetland-affected section may be available through a Carbon Reductions Emission initiative grant, though the transcript did not specify award conditions or amounts.
Why it matters: A wetlands designation typically requires additional environmental review, potential design changes or mitigation, and may open the project to different grant sources or permitting paths. Town Manager Sean Martin previously reported outreach to Representative David Rouzer and the Great Trails Coalition seeking state funds for a multi-use path along White Lake Drive and said he was asked to collect more letters of support from local elected officials and partner agencies.
Board direction and next steps: The board asked staff and members to pursue following steps: gather additional letters of support for state funding requests, explore grant options that could cover wetland-impacted segments, and coordinate with NCDOT and relevant environmental agencies on design and permitting implications. Members also referenced related regional trail initiatives, including a Mountains-to-Sea project bridge discussed near Sweet Home Church Road.
What’s not specified: The transcript does not provide the exact length or precise location of the wetland determination, the estimate of additional cost for mitigation, or whether a formal permit application has been filed; the board noted those details are pending further staff work and agency coordination.
Next procedural step: Staff will investigate grant eligibility for the wetland area, gather supporting letters as requested by state contacts, and report back to the board at a future meeting.
