Rails to trails greenline clears another hurdle

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - In the works for years, the 'Rails to Trails' greenline cleared another hurdle Wednesday.

The idea is to turn an abandoned CSX railway into a biking and walking path.  The plan would create a Rails to Trails corridor from the Mississippi river to Collierville.

Last week the non-profit group behind the greenline plan made a deal with CSX to buy a 7 mile section from Avery Street to Farm Road and Mullins Station Road - near Shelby Farms - for $5 million.

Wednesday, Shelby County commissioners passed a resolution to use an EPA grant to fund testing on the rail to make sure it is safe for recreational use.   Commissioners and planners insisted the initiative would better its surrounding neighborhoods and communities.

"We're in negotiations with the railroad and we should finalize that within the next 90 days," county policy advisor Kelly Rayne said.

"These types of trails raise property values," Commissioner Mike Carpenter said. "They tend to lower crime rates 'cause you get people out in the community and using those trails, so there is a lot of advantages to using these rails to trails system for the community, whether you actually use the trail or not."

Commissioners were careful not to give any timetables, but said they were in complete agreement that the trail is needed and will support it as best as they can.

Click here to e-mail Andrew Douglas.