SPECIAL NEWS ITEM: As of July 6, 2005, negotiations are continuing for purchase of this corridor. We'll post any updates as soon as we learn more information. Background: NCDOT agreed to pick up 50% of the purchase cost (of both the Beltline and the Durham-Timberlake corridors). Both Durham County & City needed to fund the other 50% of the purchase. On May 23, 2005, the County of Durham approved an earmark of $1,500,000 for their share of the purchase in its long-range CIP (Capitol Improvement Plan). The City of Durham approved its CIP on June 20, 2005. It earmarked $1,500,000 in its CIP. This would be funded by the 2005 General Obligation Bond, to go before voters in a referendum in November 2005. To assist with the local match, the City of Durham requested federal funds. Due to efforts by Congressman Price, the recently passed Federal Transportation included an earmark for about 2.0M. If purchased, both corridors could be used for interim trail use. Combined with the American Tobacco Trail & the North-South Greenway, the area would have a system that is over 40 miles long. What's more, this system could become a portion of the East Cost Greenway! They could also eventually provide the rail corridor needed for an extension of the planned TTA Regional Rail system. A 'rail with trail,' successful in other parts of the country could be easily established on this corridor. Updates: U.S. Congress: The Senate version of the transportation bill came out higher than the House version, so these differences will have to be ironed out in conference committee.

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