The first meeting of the Brevard/Transylvania County Ecusta Trail Advisory Board was held on March 2 at Brevard City Council Chambers in Brevard, N.C. Mayor Maureen Copelof (shown here with Council Member Mac Morrow) chaired the thirteen-member Board meeting. Brevard City Council adopted a Resolution on December 6, 2021, establishing the City of Brevard as the Lead Agency to secure funding

and oversee construction of the Ecusta Trail in Transylvania County. Chuck McGrady, Chair of the Henderson County Rail-Trail Advisory Board, serves as an Ex-Officio member on the Brevard Advisory Board.

There are some significant differences between Transylvania and Henderson Counties as they relate to the Trail and its funding. Henderson County is classified as a Metropolitan Planning Organization while Brevard is a Rural Planning Organization. Transylvania County includes federal lands while Henderson does not. Having federal lands in the county opens access to additional funding for Brevard. Mayor Copelof said that the City’s attorneys are reviewing some legal issues regarding the Trail, but the City is eager to work on grant applications and complete the necessary paperwork to advance the project. Chuck McGrady pledged to work with Brevard to promote cohesiveness in design, signage, and other items. Trail management and maintenance will also be addressed in a Memo of Understanding between the counties. Both counties will be working with many of the same groups and governmental agencies to facilitate construction of the Trail.