The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is an 80/20 match program for the development of substantial trail development. The 2012/2013 program was designed to encourage the construction of new trail projects that benefit the environment and the redesign, reconstruction, non-routine maintenance, or relocation of trails that mitigate and minimize the impact to the natural environment. Project sponsors are encouraged to work in partnership with trail-user groups, volunteer groups, the business community, and local, state, and federal agencies to develop projects that benefit the various modes of trail uses in a safe and satisfying manner.
CMPDD recently assisted the City of Madison and the Town of Wesson with completing, submitting and receiving approval of their applications for RTP funding.
The trail for the City of Madison will be a ten foot wide multi-use trail that will link to the trail systems of Madison and Ridgeland. The major reason for this project is to connect the 2 present day trails. For those that are utilizing these trails now, they have to get on Old Canton Road, which is heavily used, and go under the Natchez Trace Bridge with traffic. This is a hazard that can be alleviated by this connector trail. This trail will connect Madison to Ridgeland and the Natchez Trace Parkway, which is one of the most beautiful and historical areas of the State. The length of this projected trail is 930 feet and will run on the eastern side of Old Canton Road. The property is right-of-way of the Natchez Trace Parkway and is the missing link between trails that end at the Madison and Ridgeland City limits. The predominant use will be walkers, bikers and skaters. The present day trails are heavily used from dawn to dusk, but when this trail becomes a reality, it will provide not only the residents of Madison, but many others an ability to enjoy the beautiful natural feature of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
The Town of Wesson will construct a 1000 ft. trail with 12 light poles with underground wiring and a 20’ x 60’ open air pavilion. Currently the Town has no public area for recreational activities, but this project will place a recreational trail on a piece of property located at the corner of Church and Beech Street. This will not only act as a recreational trail, but also as an educational one, by encompassing the history of Wesson though the placing of informational signage (similar to the historic places signs placed by the state), and by environmental markers identifying trees and shrubbery along the path. The trail will be 1000 feet in length encircling a little over one acre of property, adding a 20’ x 60’ open air pavilion, and placing antique style post lighting with underground wiring. The Town’s intent is to develop an area where families can enjoy the outdoors, provide a means for physical exercise through a path that will be designed for both pedestrian and/or bicycle use, and educate others on the history of the Town and the environment surrounding it.
For more information or to apply for a RTP grant you may contact Mitzi Stubbs at 601-981-1511.
