Commissioners punt on "rails-to-trails" project

In response to a question from NewsLanc regarding whether they have considered taking steps to move forward the stalled "rails-to-trails" project on the old Norfolk Southern rail line in the southern end of the County, the Commissioners acknowledged that they have not.

While Commissioner Craig Lehman agreed that the rail trail would be a wonderful and attractive "amenity" for both residents and visitors, he said, "I don't see any other way to go forward" than to wait for the relevant municipalities to work towards a solution.

The previous Board of Commissioners unsuccessfully attempted to acquire the 23-mile stretch of land by eminent domain in 2005, but were successfully challenged by the municipalities in court. The County attempted to appeal the decision in 2006 but the ruling was upheld by an appeals court.