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Somerset County commits $30,000 in TIF funds to urgent Lexington–Concord trail repairs
Summary
Commissioners approved a $30,000 TIF contribution to help fund a prioritized $60,000 ATV/snowmobile trail repair project in the Lexington–Concord area after club representatives described flood damage and a narrow window to complete work under a land‑use agreement.
Somerset County commissioners agreed to provide $30,000 from TIF unorganized territory funds to help complete a prioritized $60,000 trail repair and development project in the Lexington–Concord area, a decision made during a workshop after presentations from local trail club representatives.
Pete Hunter, identified as representing the E and LA trail club, and other presenters described three projects totaling roughly $150,000; project 1—an estimated $60,000 repair and new trail development tied to a Weyerhaeuser agreement—was identified as urgent because work must be completed by the end of 2026. Hunter said the plan is to move off vulnerable logging roads and build more resilient trail tread and culverts. "Project number 1 is a priority because there's a limited window of time to get in there and do the work that needs to be done," Hunter said.
Commissioners and presenters discussed funding mixes and regional coordination. Staff reported TIF account balances that indicate funds are available for eligible projects in unorganized territories. Commissioners discussed asking neighboring Franklin County to contribute; discussion referenced possible splits such as a $40,000/$20,000 Somerset/Franklin arrangement, or a 40/20/20 three‑way split across stakeholders. One commissioner proposed and the board approved putting forward $30,000 from UT TIF funds as a county match for the $60,000 project, with a requirement that the trail clubs provide receipts showing matching funds.
Presenters stressed the trail's strategic importance as the primary east‑west connection for ATVs in the region and said the work would also benefit snowmobile grooming and long‑term resilience. County staff and commissioners discussed logistics—trucking, material sources and bridge repairs—and requested documentation of matching funds prior to or after issuance of funds depending on how the board directs administration.
The board moved the recommendation as a formal motion, seconded and voted to approve the $30,000 TIF commitment. Commissioners asked staff to verify eligible expense codes and process the payment so the clubs can begin work within the necessary seasonal window.
