Brevard/Transylvania County Ecusta Trail Advisory Board Meeting: February 22, 2023

Davidson River Road Open

Engineers removed the train trestle spanning the Davidson River recently, opening the south entrance to the Davidson River Road. Finished earlier than expected, Mark Tooley (Conserving Carolina) remarked that this opens the road to large fire department vehicles. Trout stocking along this popular fishing stretch will occur in March, without interference.

Steve Williams (NCDOT) reported that the FLAP (Federal Lands Access Program) grant money is on the way. The allocation should arrive to the city of Brevard “in the near future”.  This release process includes a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) survey of the trail corridor in Transylvania County.  This aerial survey must be completed soon, before the return of tree leaves. Mr. Williams noted that this survey will prove valuable to the trail design team.  

Paul Ray (Brevard Planning) walked sections of the Ecusta Trail on January 30 with engineering staff from Transportation Planning & Development (TPD) and Vaughn & Melton.  On first viewing of several bridges, engineers felt confident that the spans could be used rather than replaced. This reduces trail construction costs by $1M or more.  TPD staff intend to create a story map to help citizens visualize the completed Trail.  This map will be posted to the city of Brevard website.

Mr. Ray reported that submission of the 2023 RAISE grant proposal occurs on February 27. The proposal is posted on the city website.  He also stated that the next public engagement meeting will be scheduled after the engineering team has completed partial design of the trail.  Chuck Edwards reported that the Henderson County Ecusta Rail Trail Advisory Committee (RTAC) will take their engineering design, now at 90% completion, to the Henderson County Commissioners.  If approved, permitting will take about 60 days.  McGrady anticipates completion of the first 6-mile section by December 2023.  In response, Mayor Copelof noted that she and Paul Ray plan to attend the next meeting of the Henderson County RTAC.

Next meeting of this group is scheduled for March 29, 2023.

[Link for RAISE grant application:  https://www.cityofbrevard.com/489/2023-RAISE-Grant-Application]