BIG UPGRADE COMING TO THE TRAIL

Gov. Kay Ivey last week also announced a $128,800 grant to the Limestone County Commission to upgrade the 10.2-mile-long Richard Martin Trail, including repairing two bridges, installing two interpretive signs, controlling erosion and completing a trail assessment study.The Athens and Limestone County grants were awarded with funds made available to the state from the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program. 

Richard Martin, who headed an effort with volunteers and community organizations to establish the Richard Martin Trail, a rails-to-trails bicycle, equestrian and pedestrian trail, said the work on the bridges is needed because the structures are 10 years old. Interpretive signs will be erected at the site of the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle and in downtown Elkmont, he said.

Early this year, Limestone County Grants Coordinator Sonya Anthony said an estimated 40,000 people visited the Richard Martin Trail in 2016.

“Everything will be done in nine months to a year,” Martin said, adding that a 20 percent county match is required for the project. The proposed budget for the Richard Martin Trail is $161,000.

To read the complete Decatur Daily article: 
Athens, Limestone Trails to Benefit