Rick Boucher a Proponent of Using Abandoned Rail Lines for Trails
February 1, 2010
Congressman Rick Boucher says the Patrick County Mayo River Trail has the potential of generating revenue above and beyond property taxes. He is helping with the funding support
As reported in the Martinsville Bulletin, on page 1, February 1, 2010.
He says trails drives up the value of adjacent property, because people want to build homes near recreational resources.
The cost of maintaining the trails after built is considered minimal. Volunteers have expressed interest in helping.
Boucher says, the maintenance costs along the rights-a-way are inexpensive. He says it is basically, mowing grass on either side of the trail and removing trees that fall due to age or wind damage.
He cites the New River Trail which runs from Fries to Pulaski, draws 200,000 visitors per year. The Creeper Trail near Abingdon brings in 300,000 people to the region per year. In Abingdon and Damascus it is considered a major part of their local economy.
