Rowan and Morgan Counties were connected by a railway nearly a hundred years ago, over land which currently doesn’t see much use. Officials said portions of the old line were surveyed over the summer to evaluate if it would be suitable for a walking and biking rail trail, but the development will not be happening.
Harry Clark is the Rowan County Judge Executive. He said though the land itself would be great for that trail thanks to its naturally hilly landscape, the fiscal court’s budget gets in the way.
“Part of the property still belongs to Rowan County as best we can figure out, and Morgan County has an interest in continuing the trail from Rowan County on into Morgan County,” said Clark. “So, we did the feasibility study, and it is feasible to do so, but I think it is going to be cost prohibitive.”
Clark said in addition to the development itself, the county would also need to purchase some pieces of state property.
“We still have to acquire some land, and a lot of it is on state right-of-way and we’d have to get permits from the state. But I think the overall big project, for us to tackle right now, we’d not be financially capable,” said Clark.
Clark added though both counties are interested in creating a connecting trail, the idea will need to be shelved and saved for when future administration has the fiscal resources.
Different developments are continuing throughout Rowan County with the help of state and federal grants. ARPA funding is being used on the upcoming senior center, which officials said is progressing smoothly. The upcoming county park off KY-801 will also bring more outdoor recreation to residents.