Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, November 16, 1993 TAG: 9311160038
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY METRO
SOURCE: Robert Freis Staff Writer
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A significant hurdle was recently cleared when the Federal Highway Administration reaffirmed the state's decision to fund both projects, said R.O. Cassada.
Some paperwork and design changes may lie ahead, but Cassada said supporters of both projects can count on the funding as a certainty.
"As far as we're concerned, it will be there," he said.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board approved $453,424 for the Huckleberry Trail and $136,000 for Ingles Ferry last month.
Those grants were among 37 Virginia projects to be funded by the Federal Highway Administration.
Also approved was $40,000 for improvements to the New River State Park in Pulaski County.
The Huckleberry Trail will be a five-mile hiking and biking path connecting the New River Valley Mall and the Blacksburg Library along an abandoned rail line.
The Ingles Ferry project will revive a historic century pedestrian ferry across the New River between Radford and Pulaski County. An 18th century tavern nearby also will be restored along with part of the original Wilderness Road, a settler's trail.
"They're both well thought-out projects," Cassada said.
Yet both will be subject to satisfying federal requirements - which Cassada decribed as "sticky" - as they proceed.
"There are a lot of formalities" regarding funding and project specifications, he said, and some delays may result.
"But we're not looking for anything bad to happen."
The state will hold regional meetings to explain the federal aid process to project supporters, Cassada said. The Ingles Ferry project, in
particular, may go slowly because it will need an environmental review and approval by the Army Corps of Engineers, he said. More paperwork often
means higher project costs and design changes, he said. Local public hearings on plans and designs also must be held before the money is allocated.
On the other hand, the Huckleberry Trail may proceed faster because its application - "One of the nicest one we had" - was more complete, Cassada said.
Progress is being made on negotiating a bridge planned to cross a Norfolk Southern right-of-way, said Bill Ellenbogen, president of Friends of the Huckleberry.
The railroad crossing is the trail's biggest obstacle, but Ellenbogen said he's optimistic that an agreement can be reached.
Supporters believe both projects will be significant boosts to tourism in the New River Valley.
by CNB