The additional project augments the current 5.4-mile $10.5M project to Yellowbank beach, which is also funded by a large donation from the Land Trust, as well as a Federal Lands Access Program Grant and the California Coastal Conservancy. The original project, however, would leave a 2-mile gap in what will eventually be a 50-mile network of trails once the San Vicente Redwoods trails, the Coast Dairies trails, and the City of Santa Cruz rail trail are constructed. The additional $1M will fund preliminary engineering, environmental compliance, permitting and design of the 2.1-mile gap project as well as ADA compliant parking lots at Yellowbank beach and Davenport. This work will get the project “shovel ready,” which greatly improves the chances of getting grants for construction.
Supervisor Ryan Coonerty indicated that he is “thrilled that we will be able to move forward with designing two more miles of the rail trail on the north coast, which will connect the rail trail to the town of Davenport. A car-free path through one of the most beautiful places on earth is going to be an incredible asset to our community.”
In total, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County has committed $4M towards the north coast rail trail project, in addition to $300K for the City of Watsonville rail trail project. The Land Trust has also committed $1.5M towards grant applications that if successful, would enable design and environmental clearance to proceed for a rail trail project from the San Lorenzo River crossing to 17th Avenue. To date, eight miles of trails are already funded, designs are underway, and Open Houses have been held to seek public input. Construction is expected to begin on these sections next year.
•••
For more information about the Trail Network project or to sign up for e-news, please visit the RTC website or email info@sccrtc.org.