Rails-to-Trails Initiatives

The Rails-to-Trails initiatives work within communities to preserve unused rail corridors by transforming them into trails, thereby building facilities that connect neighborhoods. This serves a two-fold purpose – to make use of former rail lines, as well as – connecting people, instilling community pride, and expanding recreational opportunities.

Proposed Macon to Milledgeville Shared Use Trail

A significant regional initiative that emerged from Middle Georgia’s Regional Bicycle-Pedestrian Plan was the development of a rails-to-trail shared-use facility to be built on an abandoned rail line running between Macon and Milledgeville. This proposed facility would not only connect the two communities, but would be planned to connect with the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and Milledgeville’s Downtown-West Campus Connector via Blandy Road. The latter is significant since the Connector would serve as a link to the Oconee River Greenway.

After the completion of the Regional Bicycle-Pedestrian Plan, the Middle Georgia Regional Development Center (RDC) organized a steering committee to begin the long quest of acquiring the right-of-way, then designing and constructing the facility. Members of this committee consisted of representatives from the three affected counties (Baldwin, Bibb, and Jones County), which the trail would run through. After several meetings, the members decided to no longer be known as a steering committee, but as the Central Georgia Rail to Trail Association and actively pursue incorporation and eventually 501 (c) 3 status in order to begin active fundraising for the facility. On April 25, 2006, the organization became officially known as the Central Georgia Rail to Trail Association, Inc. (CGRTA). The first organizational meeting of the Board of Directors was held on June 20, 2006 when terms of the Board members and bylaws were approved and officers elected.

It is the desire of the Board to: (1) begin the acquisition process of the right-of-way that would first start with researching property ownership; conducting field surveys and documents on the corridor; assessing potential environmental, economic, and community impacts; developing cost estimates and examining funding possibilities; and having initial contact with CSX railroad on their interest in selling this right-of-way; (2) develop support for the project from community leaders, neighboring property owners, local officials, and the general public; and (3) begin initial fundraising activities to finance the cost of right-of-way acquisition and promotion activities.

The RDC partnered with the CGRTA, Inc. to conduct a feasibility study related to the proposed shared-use trail. This initiative was incorporated into the Georgia Department of Transportation’s FY 07 Planning Contract with the RDC. The study was recently completed and can be viewed by visiting the following link: Final Feasibility Study.

The CGRTA, Inc. Board met in October, 2007 to review the feasibility study and to discuss their mission and membership. The Board decided to pursue a course that would provide publicity to the project; including a brochure, a web presence and direct contact with key groups and individuals. They have created a press release to announce the feasibility study and their being a 501 (c) 3 organization. They have also decided to engage in dialogue with CSX railroad.

The most recent meeting of the Central Georgia Rail-to-Trail Association, Inc. (CGRTA, Inc.) Board of Directors was held on February 24, 2009. The Board is currently working with local officials and other stakeholders in Bibb, Jones and Baldwin Counties to discuss the proposed rail-to-trail project that runs from the City of Macon to the City of Milledgeville, and to gain support for the project. Additionally, they have secured a web domain and posted a website: http://www.cgrta.org that highlights important information about the organization and the project. They have also produced a PowerPoint presentation and brochure for use during informational meetings with various organizations, boards and other important stakeholders. Finally, a membership/sponsorship campaign has been initiated with different levels that will allow individuals, families and organizations an opportunity to financially support the CGRTA, Inc.