EXMORE, VA — The Eastern Shore Rail Trail has taken a major step forward with a $23.2 million federal grant that will extend the popular trail system by 17 miles, project officials announced this week.
The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the grant to the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, which will use the funds to design and construct a new segment running from Birdsnest to Melfa. An initial phase of $4.8 million has already been allocated.
“This represents a historic moment in our effort to transform the region’s former rail corridor into a modern transportation and recreation asset,” said Ron Wolff, Executive Director of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Rail Trail Foundation.
The federal award brings total project funding to approximately $58 million, according to the foundation. The trail is now fully funded from Cape Charles to Onley, though the northern segment from Onley to Hallwood still requires additional financing.
The Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, which successfully applied for the competitive federal grant, will manage the construction project. Canonie Atlantic Company, which owns the former railroad right-of-way, is serving as a key project partner.
When complete, the Eastern Shore Rail Trail will provide a continuous multi-use path connecting communities along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, offering both recreational opportunities and alternative transportation options for residents and visitors.
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1.36 MILLION dollars per mile. More grift. The PRR ran locomotives weighing tons and we get this boondoggle for bikes. This country is doomed.