Brevard/Transylvania Ecusta Trail (ET) Advisory Board Meeting: May 31, 2023

Paul Ray (Brevard City Planning) reported that Pisgah Laboratories Inc. has requested to construct a fence along the trailside bordering their property on Old Hendersonville Highway. Consisting of an 8-foot high chain link covered in black vinyl, the fence will enter the trail right of way. Mr. Ray added that work is nearly complete to devise an encroachment agreement, based on the same document developed by Henderson County. The ensuing Advisory Committee discussion expressed the need to consult with the TPD engineers regarding the best location for the fence, which will extend along the entire property adjacent to the Laboratory buildings.  The Committee approved the request, stipulating that the exact location of the fence must be coordinated with the engineering team.  

Transportation Planning & Design (TPD), the engineering firm chosen to design trail construction, continues formulating the Scope of Work (SOW). Lonnie Watkins (DOT) and Mr. Ray have reviewed the latest version of the SOW, attached a few recommendations, and returned it to TPD. Next, TPD will formulate the “fee” that results in a final cost estimate for trail construction in Transylvania County.

Chuck McGrady (Henderson County Trail Advisory Committee) brought positive news related to the release of federal DOT funds. According to his sources, the procedure to release these funds to Henderson County has been placed in the hands of the NCDOT. McGrady expects that the NCDOT will recommend release of these funds at the next Board of Transportation meeting. If approved as expected, funding should be ready for the County to begin the bidding process by the end of this summer. McGrady also reported progress on development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to define the relationship between Hendersonville, the County, and Laurel Park regarding ET responsibilities.

John Ditillo, Friends of Ecusta Trail (FOET), reported that 39 new “No Trespassing” signs have been erected along the ET, another example of work by FOET volunteers. Recently, a large group of FOET volunteers were feted during a volunteer appreciation event. FOET volunteers will share information and boost fundraising from their booth at the Rhythm & Blues concerts on Main Street Hendersonville. Concerts continue this summer on June 15, July 20, August 17, and September 21 beginning at 5:30 PM.  

In addition, FOET is receiving support from this year’s 2023 Le Tour de Transylvania (TdT). This cycling event has 21 stages of creative rides across the region, supported and led by members of the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club (BRBC). This year the Tour is fundraising for the Ecusta Trail.  BRBC Ecusta Trail pledge forms are available at the start of each TdT stage, or this link connects to the pledge form: Ecusta Trail Pledge Form.  (The form can be mailed to Hank Birdsong at PO Box 1, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718 or given to BRBC members at the start of a ride.)

The Committee continues waiting on responses from two large federal grants. In fact, at the next meeting of this committee, June 28, awards for the 2023 RAISE grants (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) are scheduled to be released to the public. Mayor Copelof expressed hope that the next meeting of the Advisory Committee will include a celebration for winning this grant.