A planned recreational trail spanning three counties could bring visitors and businesses into the area, and the Limestone County Commission was asked Wednesday to pitch in.

Nancy Robertson, executive director of the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments, and Shannon Keith, a consultant with design firm Alta, gave a presentation about the Singing River Trail at the commission’s work session. Four public meetings about the trail have culminated with a preliminary plan for the project, but Robertson explained more funds are needed to finalize the plan.

The commission was asked to consider allocating $5,000 to the project. Robertson said the Madison County Commission provided $20,000, while the Morgan County Commission gave $5,000. She added about $200,000 had been raised so far.

“This took off from being on a sheet of paper to (preliminary design) in a really short time,” District 3 Commissioner Jason Black said. “It’s a great idea.”

It’s unknown where the funds would come from if the commission elected to fund the project. Black asked if funds earmarked for tourism could be used for the project.

About the trail

The trail represents a partnership between the Land Trust of North Alabama, TARCOG and regional Committee of 100. Robertson said she liked the fact the efforts really began with the regional business community and not governmental entities.

The trail, if implemented, would connect Madison, Limestone and Morgan counties and span about 70 miles. According to an economic and health analysis provided to the commission, the trail would provide more than $13.1 million in total annual direct benefits. That figure includes $10.8 million in economic benefits, $1.4 million in health benefits and $866,000 in transportation benefits.

The analysis estimates there would be 3,000 walkers and runners who utilize the trail along with 2,000 cyclists. Robertson predicted businesses would spring up along the trail to serve those who use it.

“We’ve looked at similar types of trails in terms of what they generate from restaurants, breweries and bike shops,” she said.

In addition to the prospect of retail growth along the trail, Keith explained land values around greenways increase by an average of 5 percent. She said economic statistics were derived by looking at 12 recreational trails in the southeast, including the BeltLine in Atlanta, Razorback Greenway Trail in Arkansas and Wolf River Greenway near Memphis, Tennessee.

Community partners

Organizers have been working with a host of community partners, including Richard Martin, a driving force behind the Richard Martin Rails to Trails in Elkmont. They’re also working with Wheeler Wildlife Refuge to establish the route.

“Our next step is to, as we finalize the master plan, develop some projects,” Robertson said. “We’ll start with a plan and get a project we can work on in each of the three counties and work toward the development of a connector spine with all the destinations coming off the spine.”

Keith said a community meeting for farmers would be held Tuesday, March 19, at the Turner-Surles Community Resource Center, 702 NW Sycamore St., Decatur. She said trail organizers are now working with private landowners, including farmers, as the trail route is developed.

“As we finalize the master plan, we realize it’s a living document,” she said, adding someone could sell their property before the trail is implemented.

For more information, visit http://www.singingrivertrail.com.